Title of Report

TECHNIQUES FOR ASSESSING SHINGLE COMMUNITIES

Authors: K. R. Cole, A. I. Tait, B. J. Yates and T. J. Younghusband

Techniques for assessing shingle communities ii Contents

Summary...... 1 Acknowledgements ...... 2 Introduction...... 3 Aims...... 9 Objectives...... 9 Method ...... 10 Survey technique...... 10 Relative value of sites...... 11 Notable species...... 11 Results ...... 13 Notable species ...... 15 Species and community types ...... 17 1.1 Tide Mills East, Newhaven, landward of footpath TQ 4603 0017 ...... 17 1.2 Tide Mills East, Newhaven, seaward of footpath TQ 4614 0006 ...... 19 1.3 Tide Mills West, Newhaven, seaward of footpath TQ 4539 0023 ...... 21 1.4 Tide Mills West, Newhaven, landward of footpath TQ 4567 0024 ...... 23 2.1 Seaford Bay, Dane Road to Martello Tower TV 4815 9870...... 25 2.2 Seaford Bay, Martello Tower to Hawks Brow TV 4865 9813 ...... 26 2.3 Seaford Bay, Martello Road to Cliff Gardens TV 4859 9845 ...... 28 3.1 Cuckmere Haven west, east of cable hut TV 5147 9772 ...... 31 3.2 Cuckmere Haven west, shingle ridge TV 5160 9771 ...... 33 3.3 Cuckmere Haven west, around saline lagoon TV 5154 9774 ...... 35 3.4 Cuckmere Haven east, top of shingle ridge TV 5193 9764...... 38 3.5 Cuckmere Haven east, north facing shingle slope TV 5184 9769 ...... 40 3.6 Cuckmere Haven east, landward base of slope TV 5176 9774 ...... 42 3.7 Cuckmere Haven east, flat area behind ridge TV 5188 9773 ...... 44 4.1 Holywell, treatment works to access path TV 6020 9699 ...... 47 4.2 Holywell, access path to café TV 60349722 ...... 50 5.1 Eastbourne seafront, café to outfall TV 6048 9739...... 52 5.2 Eastbourne seafront, outfall to Silverdale Road TV 6082 9773 ...... 54 5.3 Eastbourne seafront, Silverdale Road to Wish Tower TV 6125 9808...... 56 5.4 Eastbourne seafront, Wish Tower to Pier TV 6158 9863...... 58 5.5 Eastbourne seafront, Pier to the Redoubt TV 6204 9935 ...... 60 6.1 Eastbourne sailing club, Redoubt to Channel View Road TQ 6257 9995...... 63 6.2 Eastbourne sailing club, Channel View Road to Sovereign Park TQ 6313 0040...... 65 7.1 Pevensey, Bay View caravan park access track TQ 6491 0262...... 67 7.2 Pevensey, Bay View caravan park, seaward of houses TQ 6496 0262 ...... 69 7.3 Pevensey, Martello Tower to Bay View caravan park TQ 6477 0236...... 71

Techniques for assessing shingle communities iii 8.1 Pevensey sailing club west TQ 6495 0278 ...... 73 8.2 Pevensey sailing club north TQ 6491 0290 ...... 76 8.3 Pevensey sailing club east TQ 6505 0292...... 79 9.1 Sandcastle Hotel, Pevensey, seaward of Grey Tower Bungalows TQ 6518 0308 ...81 9.2 Sandcastle Hotel, Pevensey, caravan park to Courtlands Lodge TQ 6532 0336 .....83 9.3 Sandcastle Hotel, Pevensey, access path TQ 6528 0360 ...... 85 10.1 Coast Road, Normans’ Bay, seaward of caravan park TQ 6778 0518 ...... 87 10.2 Coast Road, Normans’ Bay, Aquarius to Driftwood TQ 6840 0546 ...... 91 11.1 Pevensey Bay, EA Depot, Herbrand Walk TQ 6950 0602...... 94 11.2 Pevensey Bay, Herbrand Walk TQ 6987 0612 ...... 97 11.3 Pevensey Bay, chalk bank, EA depot TQ 6944 0598 ...... 99 11.4 Pevensey Bay, Herbrand Walk sluice TQ 6941 0595 ...... 102 11.5 Pevensey Bay, landward of Herbrand Walk TQ 6967 0608...... 104 11.6 Pevensey Bay, east of sluice TQ 6925 0592 ...... 107 11.7 Pevensey Bay, shingle ridge east of EA depot TQ 6930 0588 ...... 109 12.1 Cooden Beach, Herbrand Walk TQ 7080 0640 ...... 112 12.2 Cooden Beach, Cooden Drive TQ 7110 0646 ...... 114 12.3 Cooden Beach, Beaulieu Road TQ 7155 0656...... 115 Distribution of key species ...... 117 Relative value of sites...... 129 Discussion...... 130 Shingle communities...... 131 Relative value of sites...... 132 Outlook for Phase 2 of BAR ...... 136 References...... 137 Appendix 1 ...... 140 Complete list of species recorded...... 140

Techniques for assessing shingle communities iv TECHNIQUES FOR ASSESSING SHINGLE COMMUNITIES

Authors: K. R. Cole1, A. I. Tait1, B. J. Yates2 and T. J. Younghusband1

1East Sussex County Council, Transport & Environment, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1UE; 2Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, 2 Watch Cottages, Nook Beach, Winchelsea, East Sussex TN36 4LU Summary Vegetated shingle is an internationally important habitat whose distribution is globally restricted, and largely limited to north west Europe, Japan and New Zealand (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999a). However, it is well represented in the BAR Region, particularly on the English side of the eastern Channel coasts. Despite its significant ecological importance, existing recording evaluation systems for the habitat are poor. For example, in the UK, the National Vegetation Classification System (NVC) (Rodwell, 1991), used by the statutory conservation bodies in their selection of sites for national and international designation, only characterises two strandline communities (typical of sand or fine shingle substrates) and one vegetation assemblage from coastal shingle (Rodwell, 2000). Surveys of vegetated shingle within the Region are limited and generally restricted to surveys specific to developments or planning applications (e.g. Ryland, 1999, 2000 & 2001). As such no coherent baseline data exists by which to assess the vegetated shingle resource and its relative biodiversity value. The aim of this study was therefore to undertake a pilot baseline survey of the main areas of vegetated shingle in East Sussex using a simple, repeatable technique and to assess their relative biodiversity value.

Forty four sites were surveyed, covering more than 61 hectares (Fig. 3). For each site, a list of vascular plants present was complied and relative abundance was recorded. Where possible, sites were matched to four community classifications; shingle community (Sneddon & Randall, 1993), broad shingle community (Williams & Cooke, 1993), NVC (Rodwell, 2000) and Habitats Directive Annex I habitat (92/43/EEC; European Commission, 2003). Crambe maritima (Sea Kale) and Glaucium flavum (Yellow Horned-poppy), characteristic species of pioneer shingle communities (Williams & Cooke, 1993) were recorded from approximately half of the sites surveyed. Of the sites surveyed, 22 of the 44 sites surveyed showed at least some similarities to pre-defined shingle communities. Those that did not were generally sites that had been subject to extensive disturbance by e.g. coastal defence, development or recreational pressure. Teucrium scorodonia (Wood Sage), a species that has been recognised as indicative of ancient shingle ridges on Dungeness (Ferry et al, 1990) was recorded from five sites, four of which were located on some of the few remaining areas of natural shingle from the Crumbles, Eastbourne, possibly indicating its former environmental interest prior to development. Previous techniques for ranking relative quality (Williams & Cooke, 1993) were found to be unsuitable for this study. However, alternative techniques were trialled and will be further developed during later phases of the BAR project.

Many of the sites surveyed are outside designated areas and therefore receive no direct form of protection. The baseline data collected during this survey provides a useful tool for assessing the relative biodiversity value of shingle on the East Sussex coast. Lessons learnt during this survey will be extended to the rest of the BAR Region during subsequent phases of the Project.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 1 Acknowledgements The authors would particularly like to thank Mrs J. Simmes, Mrs W. Meadway, Mr P. Davys, Mr J. Morley and Mr D. Vinall for their time and dedication to the project, freely given. We would also like to express our thanks to Mr P. Harmes, Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) Watsonian Vice County Recorder for East Sussex, for his advice and help in the verification of records, Ms P. Green and Ms H. Brocklebank of the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre for their assistance with data handling and the production of the species distribution maps, and Ms K. Ryland of Dolphin Ecological Surveys for her advice and assistance.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 2 Introduction The eastern Channel coasts of England and France are of significant ecological importance for their natural habitats. Of particular relevance to the BAR project are maritime cliffs, sand dunes and coastal vegetated shingle. Fig. 1 shows the general distribution of coastal types within the BAR Region. These habitats are listed on Annex I of the European Communities ‘Habitats Directive’ (92/43/EEC) as being “natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation” (European Community, 1992). England and France are also signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) signed at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The CBD sets out a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development with three main aims; the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources (Secretariat of the CBD, 2000). The responsibility to implement the CBD lies with the individual countries. The UK Government’s response to the CBD was to produce a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) (Department of Environment, 1994) which describes the UK’s resources and commits a detailed plan for their protection. Maritime cliff and slope, coastal sand dunes and coastal vegetated shingle are all listed as priority habitats under this plan as they meet some or all of the selection criteria; habitats for which the UK has international obligations, habitats at risk, for example those with a high rate of decline, habitats for which more than 40% of the north east Atlantic resource is in the UK and/or habitats which are important for rare species. Specific national Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) with targeted actions were produced for these habitats in 1999 (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999a). These habitats are also qualifying criteria for the designation of nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) for their biological value (Nature Conservancy Council, 1989).

Fig. 1. The BAR Region illustrating the distribution of the main coastal types.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 3 Of these coastal habitats, it could be argued that vegetated shingle is the most important within the BAR Region. Shingle is a globally restricted coastal sediment type largely restricted to north west Europe, Japan and New Zealand (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999a). Two shingle habitats are listed on Annex I of the EC Habitats Directive; H1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines and H1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks. H1210 has a wide distribution in the European Union, and has been recorded from Mediterranean coastlines in southern Europe to the coasts of Sweden and Finland (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2004a). It is estimated that 30% of the coastline of England and Wales is fringed by shingle, most of which forms simple fringing beaches where the shingle is mobile and vegetation is restricted to temporary and mobile strandline communities (UK Biodiverity Group, 1999a). In contrast, there are only a few extensive examples of H1220 in Europe and the UK hosts a significant part of the European resource (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2004a). A survey of the major vegetated shingle structures in the UK (Sneddon & Randall, 1993) estimated 5000 hectares of the habitat in England, the largest areas being in the north west, south and south east, with those in the north west being largely associated with beaches fringing sea lochs (Doody, 2003). The BAR Region is a particular stronghold for vegetated shingle; Dungeness in East Sussex and Kent is the largest shingle structure in the UK with over 2000 hectares of shingle (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999a). However, despite the importance of the habitat, existing recording evaluation systems are poor.

In the UK, there are standard techniques for surveying and classifying terrestrial habitats. At the most basic level are Phase 1 surveys (Nature Conservancy Council, 1993a & 1993b). Phase 1 aims to provide a relatively rapid record of semi-natural vegetation and wildlife habitat over large areas of the countryside to benefit nature conservation and to inform development planning. It is a hierarchical classification system based on intuitive definitions of habitats and principally records vegetation, augmented by reference to topographic and substrate features. In terms of the coastal habitats of interest to the BAR project, sand dunes and maritime cliffs are relatively well represented. There are seven listed Phase 1 categories for sand dunes, and two categories and four sub-categories for maritime cliffs. In contrast, there are only two categories for shingle; H3 Shingle/gravel above the high-tide mark, and H5 Strandline vegetation. H3 includes a target to note any vascular plants or lichen vegetation that may occur but does not highlight any of the characteristic communities. H5 is described as an open community on the drift line characterised by species such as Cakile maritima (Sea Rocket), Honckenya peploides (Sea Sandwort), Rumex crispus (Curled Dock), Salsola kali (Prickly Saltwort), Atriplex (Orache) species and Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima (Sea Beet, syn. Beta vulgaris). There is a target to note whether the substrate is shingle or rock, implying that the habitat may not be restricted to shingle beaches.

At the next level of detail is the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) system (Rodwell, 1991). This provides an empirical classification of vegetative habitats based on phytosociological associations, derived from samples taken from around the whole of the UK. Volume 5 classifies maritime communities (Rodwell, 2000) and includes three strandline and shingle vegetation communities; SD1 Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community (within which two sub-communities are recognised), SD2 Honckenya peploides – Cakile maritima strandline community and SD3 Matricaria maritima – Galium aparine strandline community (Matricaria maritima syn. Tripleurospermum maritimum). Of these, SD2 and SD3 are described as being dominated by ephemeral, nitrophilous herbs, making a brief and often fragmentary appearance during the growing season on beach-top sands and fine shingle where organic detritus has been dumped along the shoreline. Furthermore, SD3 has a predominantly northern distribution. SD1 occurs on coarser sediments, specifically sharply- draining pebbles and gravels beyond the reach of all but exceptional tides. SD1 is therefore the only assemblage characterised from coastal shingle (Rodwell, 2000). In contrast, there are 16 sand dune communities (excluding SD1, 2 and 3) and 12 maritime cliff communities classified in the NVC.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 4

In the UK, the NVC is the main system used to classify terrestrial habitats for the selection of biological SSSIs and has also been used to interpret EC Habitats Directive Annex I habitats. SD1 is accepted as being comparable with H1220. H1210 is less easy to classify using the NVC and can include SD2 and SD3, forms of MC6 (Atriplex prostrata – Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima sea-bird cliff community), and other vegetation types not described in the NVC, for example, monospecific stands of Atriplex spp. (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2004b). In providing guidance on monitoring designated sites, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) list typical species for both vegetated shingle Annex I habitats as follows: H1210 H. peploides, Cakile maritima, Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache), A. glabriuscula (Babington’s Orache), A. laciniata (Frosted Orache), S. kali, Tripleurospermum maritimum (Sea Mayweed) and Polygonum oxyspermum (Ray’s Knotgrass); H1220 R. crispus, Crambe maritima (Sea Kale (C. maritima)), Glaucium flavum (Yellow-horned Poppy), Silene uniflora (Sea Campion, syn. S. maritima), B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, Lathyrus japonicus (Sea Pea) and Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue).

A study of the vegetation of shingle structures in Britain aimed to assess the applicability of existing NVC categories to shingle communities and, where appropriate, to extend the NVC by highlighting any new communities identified (Sneddon & Randall, 1993a, 1993b, 1994a, 1994b). TWINSPAN analysis of quadrat data from shingle sites around the UK produced six major divisions (Table 1) and the detailed description of 124 shingle communties with 22 sub-communties.

Table 1. Major divisions of the shingle vegetation classification. Divisions are listed in order broadly from the most landward to the most seaward vegetation types (after Sneddon & Randall, 1993a).

1. Scrub communities 1a. Prunus spinosa communities 1b. Rubus fruticosus communities 1c. Ulex europaeus communities 2. Heath communities 2a. Wet heaths 2b. Dry heaths 2b.i. Pteridium aquilinum 2b.ii. Calluna vulgaris communities 2b. iii. Moss-rich communities 3. Grassland communities 3a. Saltmarsh-influenced grasslands 3b. Agrostis stolonifera grasslands 3c. Arrhenatherum elatius grasslands 3d. Festuca rubra grasslands 3e. Mixed grasslands 3f. Sandy grasslands 4. Mature grassland 4a. Mature grasslands 4a.i. Mature grasslands – Festuca rubra communities 4a.ii. Mature grasslands – Dicranum scoparium 4a.iii. Mature grasslands – Arrhenatherum elatius 4b. Less mature grasslands 4b.i. Less mature grasslands pure shingle 4b.ii. Less mature grasslands saltmarsh influence 5. Secondary Pioneer - - communities

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 5 6. Pioneer communities 6a. Honckenya peploides dominated communities 6b. Senecio viscosus dominated communities 6c. Beta vulgaris dominated communities 6d. Raphanus maritimus1 dominated communities 6e. Herb-dominated pioneer communities 6f. Silene maritima dominated pioneer communities

The above studies of Rodwell (2000) and Sneddon & Randall (1993) excluded Dungeness as it was subject to a three year mapping project aimed at providing a classification of the shingle communities of Dungeness based on the NVC scheme and a sufficiently detailed classification for use in field mapping of the vegetation (Ferry et al, 1990). The study revealed 18 distinguishable vegetation types, two of which could possibly have been further subdivided and several that are believed to be unique to the Dungeness shingle system.

On a more local level, a preliminary assessment of vegetated shingle sites in East and West Sussex was carried out (Ryland, 1993) using aerial photographs to identify possible areas of vegetated shingle. The list produced was further refined during field visits, and for those sites considered to be of greatest interest, a species list was produced and quadrat data was collected where appropriate (Williams & Cooke, 1993). The baseline for significant interest was the presence of a recognisable pioneer community, generally characterised by C. maritima and G. flavum. TWINSPAN analysis of the quadrat data identified six end groups (Fig. 2) which represented three basic types of community; pioneer, intermediate and established. The definitions of these three community types are as follows (Williams & Cooke, 1993; Ryland, 1999). Pioneer communities (Groups 1 and 4) are species poor and occur furthest down the beach where shingle is more prone to disturbance. C. maritima, R. crispus, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, G. flavum and A. prostrata are characteristic. Intermediate communties (Groups 2 and 5) retain some of the pioneer species, but in addition support species such as Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort), Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear), Arenaria serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Sandwort) and Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sowthistle). Established communities (Groups 3 and 6) have a closed turf, often bryophyte and lichen rich, characterised by a range of species including Festuca rubra (Red Fescue), Pilosella officinarum (Mouse-ear-hawkweed, syn. Hieracium pilosella), Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) and S. uniflora.

1 Raphanus maritimus syn. Raphanus raphanistrum ssp. maritimus

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 6 Shingle vegetation

With Without these Arrhenatherum elatius species Echium vulgare

Rumex crispus Rumex crispus Crambe maritima Plantago lanceolata Beta vulgaris Beta vulgaris Rumex crispus Senecio jacobea Atriplex prostrata Atriplex prostrata Cirsium vulgare Glaucium flavum Glaucium flavum Senecio viscosa Solanum dulcamara Solanum dulcamara Atriplex prostrata Sonchus arvensis Sonchus arvensis Trifolium scabrum Trifolium scabrum Group 1 Group 4 Group 6

Rumex crispus Festuca rubra Cerastium fontanum Hieracium pilosella Sonchus oleraceus Medicago lupulina Tripleurospermum maritimum Cirsium vulgare Galium mollugo Arenaria serpyllifolia Daucus carota Group 2 Silene maritima Group 5 Crepis capillaris Group 3 Fig. 2. Vegetated shingle community types (after Williams & Cooke, 1993).

Due to the difficulties in recording and classifying shingle habitats described above, there is relatively little baseline data available on the distribution of coastal vegetated shingle in the UK. As part of a project to describe the size, location and quality of the main coastal habitats in Great Britain (saltmarshes, sand dunes, vegetated shingle, sea cliffs, strandlines, ‘reclaimed’ land and maritime islands) commissioned by the Nature Conservancy Council in 1987, a survey of shingle structures was carried out (Sneddon and Randall, 1993b, 1993a, 1993b). However, the surveys were restricted to plant communities found on stable or semi- stable shingle structures, and therefore excluded many of the fringing shingle beaches found within the BAR region. Indeed, the only shingle structures surveyed within the region were Rye Harbour (East Sussex) and Walmer (Kent) (Sneddon and Randall, 1994b). On a regional level, some site specific surveys have been carried out, particularly for designated sites (e.g. Ferry et al, 1990; Ryland, 1993; Williams & Cooke, 1993; Clark & Finch, 1996a & 1996b). In addition, English Nature hold detailed information on most groups of plants and animals for SSSIs, and the Sussex and Kent Biodiversity Record Centres maintain databases of known environmental information. Other survey information has been collected on a piecemeal basis, largely as a result of planning applications (e.g. Technitas, 1988) or in relation to coastal defence works (e.g. Ryland, 1999, 2000, 2001). The surveys detailed in this report, together with surveys undertaken by Rye Harbour Nature Reserve staff and consultants in the Rye Bay area (B. Yates, pers. comm.), comprise the first comprehensive survey of coastal vegetated shingle in East Sussex.

The collection of basic data on coastal habitats is an important first step in identifying the most ecologically significant sites, and establishes a baseline for monitoring and understanding the impact of management practices and developments on them (Sneddon and Randall, 1993a). The JNCC have produced guidelines for monitoring sites designated for coastal vegetated shingle (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2004b) to ensure they are in favourable condition. The guidelines recommend the montoring of specific targets relating to a series of attributes including habitat extent, physical structure (functionality and

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 7 sediment supply), vegetation structure (zonation of vegetation), vegetation composition (characteristic species) and negative indicators. However, much of the vegetated shingle recource within the BAR region has no statutory protection and is therefore not monitored. Williams and Cooke (1993) attempted to identify and rank the relative value of all areas of significant vegetated shingle along the Sussex coast, concentrating on non-SSSI sites, to prevent damage to those sites during emergency coastal defence works. Relative value was assessed using four criteria; number of species recorded, area of vegetated shingle, number of community types present and rare plant records. Whilst the coverage was wider than stuatutory sites, the majority of areas surveyed were designated as Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) and therefore of local significance. Also, the criteria for assessing value were limited, relying on an ability to assign community types, and did not take account of sites with potential for restoration given sympathetic management.

In England, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (HMSO) provides a statutory basis for biodiversity conservation, and places a duty on government to protect and enhance biodiversity. As stated above, coastal vegetated shingle is listed as a priority habitat under the UK BAP (Department of Environment, 1994), and it is incumbent upon Government departments in carrying out their functions to have regard to conserving biological diversity. This applies to all areas of vegetated shingle, whether they are designated or not. Fundamental to protecting and enhancing vegetated shingle is a sound understanding of the habitat in terms of its distribution and appropriate management for its protection.

There has been significant, direct and irreversible loss of shingle habitat in the UK (Doody, 2003). Aggregate extraction has resulted in the severe alteration of morphology and vegetation or almost total destruction of major parts of the feature, whilst industrial plant, defence infrastructure and other developments have been built on shingle structures, destroying vegetation and ridge morphology (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999a). Other factors that affect vegetated shingle include sea defence and coastal protection, sediment supply, natural mobility, recreational use and garden escapes (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999a; Doody, 2003; pers. obs.). Within the UK BAR region, approximately 43% of the surface of Dungeness has been adversely affected by impacts ranging from vehicular damage to gravel extraction (Fuller, 1985; Doody, 2003), whilst virtually all of the 160 ha site, the Crumbles in East Sussex, has been completely destroyed by gravel extraction, housing developments and visitor pressure (Doody, 2001, 2003). Guidelines have been produced for engineers and developers working on vegetated shingle to offset damage (Hatcher, 2002; Doody, 2003), and an A5, waterproof, colour identification guide has been jointly produced by the East Sussex Coastal Biodiversity Project and the West Sussex Vegetated Shingle Project to help contractors working on site to avoid vegetated shingle communities. The BAR project has also put considerable emphasis on public participation events to raise awareness about the importance of vegetated shingle and how local communities can help to protect and enhance the habitat.

Given the importance of the UK Channel coasts for vegetated shingle in a European context, it was decided that Phase 1 of BAR would concentrate on establishing a simple protocol for surveying vegetated shingle. Lessons learnt could then be extended to the rest of the BAR Region in later phases of the Project.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 8 Aims To establish a technique for surveying coastal vegetated shingle and assessing relative biodiversity value that can be used by non-specialists.

Objectives • To undertake a baseline ecological survey of the main areas of vegetated shingle in East Sussex using a relatively simple and repeatable method. • To use survey data to identify shingle community types. • To assess relative biodiversity value of surveyed sites. • To involve volunteers in the survey work to validate survey methodology and raise awareness of the importance of vegateted shingle as a natural habitat.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 9 Method The surveys reported here covered the majority of the East Sussex coast (from Newhaven to Cooden Beach). Whilst survey information from Rye Bay has not been included in this report, close liaison was maintained with the Rye Bay team throughout to ensure consistency of approach.

Nomenclature throughout follows Stace (1997 & 1999).

Survey technique Sites were initially chosen from Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. Aerial photographs and knowledge of the area were used to refine this list of sites to those that were likely to have at least some vegetation. Once on site, the chosen survey areas were further refined using easily recognisable landmarks such as groynes, roads, piers etc. Once finalised, polygons were digitised around each of these areas using the Geographical Information System (GIS) ArcView and the area in hectares (ha) was calculated.

For each polygon, a list of vascular plants was compiled and a relative abundance was applied to each by estimating percentage coverage using the DAFOR scale (Dominant >75%, Abundant 51-75%, Frequent 26-50%, Occasional 11-25%, Rare 1-10%). Plants were identified to species or subspecies level wherever possible, but some could only be identified to the generic level. The percentage of bare shingle was also estimated for each polygon. Any signs of damage or disturbance, e.g. grazing, vehicle tracks or litter, were noted for each site, as was the management history where known.

The survey team was led by T. Youghusband (TY) and consisted of a small group of volunteers; J. Simmes (JS), W. Meadway (WM), P. Davys (PD), J. Morley (JM), D. Vinall (DV) and E. Low (EL). All were amateur botantists recruited from the local community through public participation events and articles in local papers and other publications. Their combined expertise was such that the majority of species encountered could be identified to at least generic and usually specific level with a high degree of confidence. If there was any doubt over species identification, records were verified by the Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) Watsonian Vice County Recorder for East Sussex (P. Harmes).

Once surveyed, the list of species for each site was sorted into descending order of abundance, and where possible, sites were matched to four community types; shingle community (Sneddon & Randall, 1993a), broad shingle community (Williams & Cooke, 1993), NVC (Rodwell, 2000) and Habitats Directive Annex I habitat (European Commission, 2003). As these community types are based on the constant presence or dominance of particular species or suites of species, in assigning community types to the survey sites, those species which were recorded as Dominant or Abundant (or Frequent if no species was present at above 75% cover) were considered in the first instance, with additional species being considered as key associates if necessary.

Eleven species were chosen as being indicative of shingle sites (B. Yates and P. Harmes, pers. comm.), and their distribution along the coast was mapped. The species were C. maritima, A. prostrata, G. flavum, Galeopsis angustifolia (Red Hemp-nettle), S. uniflora, Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert), B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, Sedum acre (Biting Stonecrop), Sedum anglicum (English Stonecrop), Crithmum maritimum (Rock Samphire) and Teucrium scorodonia (Wood Sage).

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 10 Relative value of sites

Notable species The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN, now the World Conservation Union) have devised a number of criteria for assessing the conservation status of species into a series of categories; extinct (EX), extinct in the wild (EW), critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), vulnerable (VU), near threatened (NT) and data deficient (IUCN, 2001, cited in JNCC, 2004c). In addition to the IUCN criteria, species are defined as Nationally Rare (NR) if they occur in 15 or fewer hectads (10 km squares) in Great Britain, and Nationally Scarce (NS) if they occur in 16-100 hectads (JNCC, 2004c; Plantlife, 2004). In the UK, vascular plants have been assessed against these criteria by Wigginton (1991). More recently, the distribution of all vascular plants in the UK have been mapped (Preston et al, 2002) allowing rarity status to be assigned. For the current study, a combined list of all species recorded during the survey was compiled (Appendix 1). Any listed as fitting the above described IUCN criteria were noted, and Preston et al (2002) was used to assess national status. In addition, some species which did not fit any of the above criteria but were recorded in relatively few hectads and/or have a predominantly coastal occurrence were selected as notable species.

Shingle habitat score To assess the relative quality of sites, a list of 27 species was selected based on the combined expertise and local knowledge of B. Yates and P. Harmes. The list included characteristic species such as C. maritima and G. flavum that are seldom found on non- shingle sites, as well as rare species whose distribution in East Sussex is known to be restricted to shingle, e.g. Lactuca saligna (Least Lettuce) and Lathyrus japonicus (Sea Pea). Each of these species was then assigned a positive score, comprising the inverse of the number of 10km2 occurrences thoughout the UK derived from the New Atlas of British and Irish Flora (Preston et al, 2002). Three of the species chosen, G. robertianum, Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) and T. scorodonia were assigned arbitrary scores of 0.005, which equals that of C. maritima, as they occur on substrates other than shingle and therefore had high values. However, they were included as G. robertianum has a subspecies maritimum which is adapted to living on shingle and similarly S. dulcamara has a coastal variety marinum. T. scorodonia has no such maritime variety but it was included as it is recognised as an indicator of ancient shingle ridges (Ferry et al, 1990).

Negative species were also chosen to give an indication of any detrimental impacts on the site. Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) and Cerastium tomentosum (Snow-in-summer) are both alien species that first colonised shingle species as garden escapes and are now spreading rapidly. Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) was included as an indicator of enrichment. The negative indicator species were assigned arbitrary scores of -0.01. The indicator species are listed below in Table 2. The final score was muliptlied by 100 to give an easily manageable figure by which to compare the relative value of sites. A perfect site, i.e. one that supports all the listed positive species and features and none of the negative species and features, would achieve a score of 66.31 (Table 2).

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 11 Table 2. Table used to ascertain relative shingle habitat score. No. of 10 km2 occurrences taken from Preston et al (2002).

Species/Feature No. of 10km2 Inverse/score occurrences *arbitrary value Anisantha madritensis 56 0.018 Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. Leptoclados 704 0.001 Armeria maritima 1002 0.001 Atriplex glabriuscula 456 0.002 Carduus tenuiflorus 324 0.003 Crambe maritima 185 0.005 Echium vulgare 725 0.001 Galeopsis angustifolia 91 0.011 Geranium robertianum* 2450 0.005* Glaucium flavum 184 0.005 Jasione montana 688 0.001 Lactuca saligna 3 0.333 Lathyrus japonicus 29 0.034 Lepidium ruderale 256 0.004 Linaria vulgaris 1676 0.001 Petrorhagia nanteuilii 5 0.200 Sagina maritima 403 0.002 Sedum acre 1784 0.001 Sedum album 1373 0.001 Sedum anglicum 851 0.001 Senecio viscosus 1404 0.001 Silene uniflora 750 0.001 Solanum dulcamara* 1828 0.005* Teesdalia nudicaulis 216 0.005 Teucrium scorodonia* 2115 0.005* Tripleurospermum maritimum 690 0.001 Vulpia ciliata ssp. Ambigua 80 0.013 Invasive alien species (the scores below are arbitrary) Centranthus ruber -0.01 Cerastium tomentosum -0.01 Urtica dioica -0.01 Perfect shingle habitat score 66.31

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 12 Results In total, 44 polygons comprising 61.11 ha were surveyed during the field seasons of 2003 and 2004. A summary of the locations is given below in Table 3.

Table 3. Location and size of survey sites in East Sussex

Site ID Location Mid point of site Area (OS grid reference) (ha) 1.1 Tide Mills east, landward of footpath, Newhaven TQ 4603 0017 3.05 1.2 Tide Mills east, seaward of footpath, Newhaven TQ 4614 0006 1.95 1.3 Tide Mills west, seaward of footpath, Newhaven TQ 4539 0023 6.15 1.4 Tide Mills west, landward of footpath, Newhaven TQ 4567 0024 1.36 2.1 Seaford Bay, Dane Road to Martello Tower, Seaford TV 4815 9870 2.32 2.2 Seaford Bay, Martello Tower to Hawks Brow, Seaford TV 4865 9831 1.73 2.3 Seaford Bay, Martello Road to Cliff Gardens, Seaford TV 4859 9845 1.61 3.1 Cuckmere Haven west, east of cable hut TV 5147 9772 0.08 3.2 Cuckmere Haven west, shingle ridge TV 5160 9771 0.52 3.3 Cuckmere Haven west, around saline lagoon TV 5154 9774 0.45 3.4 Cuckmere Haven east, top shingle ridge TV 5193 9764 1.70 3.5 Cuckmere Haven east, north facing shingle slope TV 5184 9769 0.71 3.6 Cuckmere Haven east, landward base of slope TV 5176 9774 0.95 3.7 Cuckmere Haven east, flat area behind ridge TV 5188 9773 2.59 4.1 Holywell, treatment works to access path TV 6020 9699 0.57 4.2 Holywell, access path to café TV 6034 9722 1.15 5.1 Eastbourne seafront, café to outfall TV 6048 9739 0.10 5.2 Eastbourne seafront, outfall to Silverdale Road TV 6082 9773 1.56 5.3 Eastbourne seafront, Silverdale Road to Wish Tower TV 6125 9808 0.36 5.4 Eastbourne seafront, Wish Tower to Pier TV 6158 9863 0.74 5.5 Eastbourne seafront, Pier to the Redoubt TV 6204 9935 1.26 6.1 Eastbourne sailing club, Redoubt to Channel View Road TQ 6257 9995 2.62 6.2 Eastbourne sailing club, Channel View Road to TQ 6313 0040 1.95 Sovereign Park 7.1 Pevensey, Bay View caravan park access track TQ 6491 0262 0.35 7.2 Pevensey, Bay View caravan Park, seaward of houses TQ 6496 0262 0.23 7.3 Pevensey, Martello Tower to Bay View Caravan Park TQ 6477 0236 1.38 8.1 Pevensey Sailing Club west TQ 6495 0278 1.23 8.2 Pevensey Sailing Club north TQ 6491 0290 1.19 8.3 Pevensey Sailing Club east TQ 6505 0292 1.71 9.1 Sandcastle Hotel, Pevensey, seaward of Grey Tower TQ 6518 0308 0.54 Bungalows 9.2 Sandcastle Hotel, Pevensey, caravan park to TQ 6532 0336 2.8 Courtlands Lodge 9.3 Sandcastle Hotel, Pevensey, access path TQ 6528 0360 0.29 10.1 Coast Road, Normans’ Bay, seaward of caravan park TQ 6778 0518 3.51 10.2 Coast Road, Normans’ Bay, Aquarius to Driftwood TQ 6840 0546 2.10 11.1 Pevensey Bay, EA Depot, Herbrand Walk TQ 6950 0602 0.46 11.2 Pevensey Bay, Herbrand Walk TQ 6987 0612 3.32

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 13 Site ID Location Mid point of site Area (OS grid reference) (ha) 11.3 Pevensey Bay, chalk bank, EA depot TQ 6944 0598 0.10 11.4 Pevensey Bay, Herbrand Walk sluice TQ 6941 0595 0.40 11.5 Pevensey Bay, landward of Herbrand Walk TQ 6967 0608 0.62 11.6 Pevensey Bay, east of sluice TQ 6925 0592 1.71 11.7 Pevensey Bay, shingle ridge east of EA depot TQ 6930 0588 1.49 12.1 Cooden Beach, Herbrand walk, seaward of houses to TQ 7080 0640 1.55 Cooden Drive roundabout 12.2 Cooden Beach, 233 to 279 Cooden Drive TQ 7110 0646 0.24 12.3 Cooden Beach cliffs, Beaulieu Road TQ 7155 0656 0.41 Total area 61.11

Pevensey Bay

Sandcastle East Sussex Hotel Normans' Bay

5

1 2 4 3

6

7

2

1

Eastbourne Cooden Sailing Club Beach

3

2

1

Seaford Bay Pevensey

2 2 Sailing Club 1

4 1 3

2 Holywell

1

3

23 3 Pevensey

5 7 4 6 3 2 1

2

1 Tide Mills 1

Eastbourne Cuckmere Seafront Haven

Fig. 3. Location of survey sites in East Sussex, Newhaven to Cooden Beach.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 14 Notable species Table 4 below lists all those species recorded during the current survey that meet IUCN criteria for rarity (JNCC, 2004c), were NS or NR, or otherwise deemed to be notable by the author. Table 4. Notable species recorded during survey. Number of hectads (10 km squares) and comments are taken from Preston et al (2002).

Species Common No. Comments Status Name hectads Polygonum Sea 9 Prostrate perennial herb of sand, shingle or shell beaches, EN maritimum Knotgrass growing above the limit of the highest tides with other strand-line and foredune plants. Lowland. Recent spread (since 1990s) correlating with run of mild winters and hot summers. Chenpodium Stinking 16 Foetid, often prostrate annual of disturbed, nutrient rich soil VU vulvaria Goosefoot on sandy shingle beaches, sand dunes and coastal cliffs where soil enriched by sea bird droppings. Lowland. Declined dramatically before 1930, perhaps because of change from horse to tractor power and declining use of dung as a fertiliser. By 1930, virtually confined to coastal habitats, and here continued to decline for reasons which are unclear. Cynosurus Rough Dog’s- 43 Annual grass naturalised on open sandy soils. Lowland. NS echinatus tail Recorded in wild since 1778. Frankenia laevis Sea Heath 26 Saltmarshes and saltmarsh-sand dune transitions, NS especially where firm sand or silt overlies coarser grained material; also rarely on shingle beaches and chalk sea-cliffs. Galeopsis Red Hemp- 91 Annual of arable land, waste places and open ground on NS angustifolia nettle calcareous substrates, including limestone pavements and scree; also on eskers and on coastal sand and shingle. Hippophae Sea-buckthorn 50 (native) Stabilised sand dunes and coastal banks. Native only in NS? rhamnoides 352 (alien) eastern coastal habitats (including Kent). Matthiola sinuata Hoary Stock 80 Short-lived perennial, well-naturalised on sea-cliffs, shingle NS and other habitats by the sea, and occasionally inland where it is more obviously a garden escape. Lowland. Has been considered to be native but not recorded in the wild until 1808. Verbascum White Mullein 24 Biennial or occasionally short-lived perennial herb of dry, NS lychnitis usually calcareous soil occurring in rough pastures, recently cleared woodland, on railway banks, tracksides and road verges and in quarries and waste places. Lowland. Armeria maritima Thrift 1002 Perennial herb of sea cliffs, stone walls, stabilised shingle Notable and saltmarsh. Aster tripolium Sea Aster 558 Perennial herb of low elevations in ungrazed/lightly grazed Notable saltmarshes, muddy sea banks, tidal river banks, brackish ditches. Atriplex littoralis Grass-leaved 308 Annual of open sandy/salty places near sea. Saltmarsh Notable Orache driftlines, estuarine banks, sea walls. Atriplex Sea Purslane 278 Muddy or sandy saltmarshes, commonly fringing intertidal Notable portulacoides pools and creeks. Beta vulgaris ssp. Sea Beet 453 Coastal rocks and cliffs, saltmarsh driftlines, sea walls, and Notable maritima on sand and shingle beaches, favouring nutrient enriched sites such as sea bird cliffs and coastal paths popular with dog walkers. Cakile maritima Sea Rocket 435 Annual, predominantly found on sandy seashores and fore- Notable dunes. Often frequent along winter storm tide-line where there is a good source of nutrients. Rarer on shingle beaches. Catapodium Sea Fern- 372 Annual of dry bare places by the sea, rock crevices, grassy Notable marinum grass banks, cliff-tops, sand dunes and stabilised shingle. Artificial habitats include quarries, walls, pavements and railway ballast. Crambe maritima Sea Kale 185 Perennial herb of shingle and boulder beaches, very Notable occasionally found on dunes (but only where these overlay shingle) and on cliffs.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 15 Species Common No. Comments Status Name hectads Crithmum Rock 273 A fleshy perennial herb of spray-drenched rock crevices and Notable maritimum Samphire ledges on sea-cliffs, coastal rocks and on stabilised shingle; also in maritime grassland and artificial habitats like harbour walls and stone sea defences. Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch 321 Margins of brackish creeks, saltmarshes, saltmarsh-sand Notable dune transitions and on shingle banks and sea walls. Geranium Herb-Robert 2450 NB The number of hectads given is for the species and not Notable robertianum the subspecies maritimum. Range of soil types except those that are strongly acidic. Habitats include woods, hedgerows, walls, shaded banks, limestone pavements, screes and coastal shingle. Glaucium flavum Yello-horned 184 Short-lived perennial herb of shingle banks and stony Notable Poppy beaches. Also, more rarely, amongst loose rock and on eroding cliffs of sand and clay and bare tops of chalk cliffs. Glaux maritima Sea Milkwort 790 Perennial herb forming dense colonies on moist saline soils, Notable including saltmarshes, strandlines, damp shingle, wet sand, brackish dune slacks, aerobic mud and spray drenched rock crevices. Lavatera arbora Tree-mallow 189 Rarely native more than 100m from the coast. Usually Notable grows in shallow, nutrient enriched soils, occurring most frequently amongst vegetation in sea bird roosts and on ground enriched by garden waste. Plants killed by severe frost therefore restricted to mild micro-climates near the sea. Limonium Rock Sea- 133 Group of perennial herbs comprising 9 species and Notable binervosum agg. lavender numerous infraspecific taxa, many of which are British and Irish endemics. Coastal habitats including sea-cliffs, dock walls, shingle banks and saltmarshes. Limonium vulgare Common Sea- 169 Perennial herb of ungrazed or lightly grazed saltmarshes, Notable lavender occasionally also growing amongst nearby rocks and on the stonework of sea-walls. Lowland. Raphanus Sea Radish 287 Biennial or perennial herb found in open coastal grassland, Notable raphanistrum ssp. sand dunes, shingle, cliffs and disturbed ground by the sea, maritimus Lowland. Salicornia agg. Glassworts 348 Annuals in a variety of coastal habitats, including Notable saltmarshes, sand, muddy shingle, creeks and brackish fields behind sea walls. Salicornia Purple 153 Usually found in middle and upper zone of saltmarshes, in Notable ramosissima Glasswort closed Puccinellia maritima (Common Saltmarsh-grass) swards, salt-pans, creeks, drift-lines, firm sand and muddy shingle and behind sea-walls in open areas of brackish grazing marsh. Seriphidium Sea 153 Aromatic perennial herb occurring in upper, drier parts of Notable maritimum Wormwood saltmarshes, on shingle, sea-cliffs, waste ground and walls close to the sea, by brackish dykes of drained estuarine marshes and on banks of tidal rivers. Lowland. Silene uniflora Sea Campion 750 Perennial herb occurring on rocky sea-cliffs from lowest Notable zone of vascular plants to cliff-top grassland, on seaside walls, shingle banks and drift-lines. Can tolerate high levels of enrichment and can be abundant on cliff-tops adjoining sea-bird colonies. Spergularia Lesser Sea- 549 Annual of saltmarshes, sea-walls, muddy shingle, brackish Notable marina spurrey grazing pastures and the base of coastal cliffs. Suaeda maritima Annual Sea- 383 Annual found in middle and lower parts of saltmarshes, Notable blite often with Salicornia spp. Early colonist of intertidal mud and sand flats, sometimes also occurring higher up in salt-pans and drift-lines, on shell and shingle banks, and in thinly vegetated brackish areas behind sea-walls. Lowland. Teucrium Wood Sage 2115 Perennial herb of well-drained, acidic to mildly calcareous Notable scorodonia mineral soils, occurring in a wide range of habitats including woodland, hedgerows, scrub, heaths, limestone grassland and pavement, mountain ledges, dunes and shingle, and amongst bracken.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 16 Species and community types

1.1 Tide Mills East, Newhaven, landward of footpath TQ 4603 0017 Date of visit: 27 June 2003 Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV Site Description: Area 3.05 ha, 75% bare shingle. Area surveyed ran from the east of the Mill Drive path to the disused buildings. Management history: Previously a mill, a hospital and army training area during World War II, and was therefore subject to heavy vehicular traffic. Designated as a SNCI by Lewes District Council in 1992. Heavily used by dog walkers and popular as a recreational resource. Damage/disturbance: Trampling and enrichment from dog faeces. Habitat description: A relatively high percentage of bare shingle and the presence of species such as C. maritima and G. flavum indicates this is a secondary pioneer community. The high total number of species is an indication of the high level of disturbance and enrichment. Notable species: Salicornia agg., B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, C. maritima, G. flavum, C. maritimum, A. portulacoides, L. vulgare and P. maritimum. Also L. vulgare as it is a known larval food plant of the BAP and Red Data Book 3 (RDB3) species Calophasia lunula toadflax brocade moth (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy, 2001). Shingle habitat score: 1.1 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH27 Tripleurospermum maritimum – Atriplex prostrata – Rumex crispus pioneer community but Atriplex only occasional and Crambe and Beta frequent. b) Broad shingle community: Group 4 c) NVC: SD1 d) Habitats Directive Annex I: 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 5. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 1.1.

Species Common name Abundance (DAFOR scale) Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk’s-beard A Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue A Rumex crispus Curled Dock A Salicornia agg. Glassworts A Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed A Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet F Crambe maritima Sea Kale F Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy F Malva sylvestris Common Mallow F Trifolium scabrum Rough Clover F Urtica dioica Common Nettle F

Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 17 Species Common name Abundance (DAFOR scale) Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache O Bromus hordeaceus Soft-brome O Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Daucus carota Wild Carrot O Galium aparine Cleavers O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop O Senecio erucifolius Hoary Ragwort O Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard O Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony R Arctium lappa Greater Burdock R Carduus tenuiflorus Slender Thistle R Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed R Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire R Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel R Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw R Atriplex portulacoides Sea Purslane R Hordeum murinum Wall Barley R Limonium vulgare Common Sea-lavender R Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax R Lycium barbarum Duke of Argyll’s Teaplant R Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain R Polygonum maritimum Sea Knotgrass R Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane R Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet R Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle R Sonchus arvensis Perennial Sowthistle R Trifolium repens White Clover R Verbascum thapus Great Mullein R Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell R Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch R Total number of species 46

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 18 1.2 Tide Mills East, Newhaven, seaward of footpath TQ 4614 0006 Date of visit: 27 June 2003 Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV. Site Description: Area 1.95 ha, 60% bare shingle. Area surveyed was seaward of the Mill Drive path. Management history: Previously a hospital and army training area during World War II, and was therefore subject to heavy vehicular traffic. Designated as a SNCI by Lewes District Council in 1992. Heavily used by dog walkers and popular as a recreational resource. Damage/disturbance: Compaction, trampling and enrichment from dog faeces. Habitat description: A relatively high percentage of bare shingle and the presence of species such as Crambe maritima indicate a pioneer community. The presence of a high proportion of trefoils, grasses and stonecrops along the path indicate disturbance and enrichment. Notable species: C. maritima, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, G. flavum. Shingle habitat score: 1.8 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH6 Silene maritima – Crambe maritima pioneer community but no Silene and Crambe abundant. b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: SD1 d) Habitats Directive Annex I: 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 6. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 1.2.

Species Common name Abundance (DAFOR scale) Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil A Crambe maritima Sea Kale A Malva sylvestris Common Mallow F Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle F Rumex crispus Curled Dock F Lepidium draba Hoary Cress F Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet F Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed F Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle F Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy F

Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop O Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet O Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 19 Species Common name Abundance (DAFOR scale) Sonchus sp. Sowthistle sp. O Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache O Sedum album White Stonecrop O Medicago lupulina Black Medick R Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear R Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear R Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil R Taraxacum agg. Dandelions R Cochlearia danica Danish Scurvygrass R Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed R Ranunculus sardous Hairy Buttercup R Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Total number of species 28

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 20 1.3 Tide Mills West, Newhaven, seaward of footpath TQ 4539 0023 Date of visit: 27 June 2003 Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV. Site Description: Area 6.15 ha, 70% bare shingle. Large area west of Mill Drove access point to the boundary of the ferry port. Management history: Previously a hospital and army training area during World War II, and was therefore subject to heavy vehicular traffic. Designated as a SNCI by Lewes District Council in 1992. Heavily used by dog walkers and popular as a recreational resource. Damage/disturbance: Compaction, trampling and enrichment. Towards the port, the vegetation becomes more ruderal with few characteristic shingle species. Habitat description: A relatively high percentage of bare shingle and the dominant presence of C. maritima indicate a pioneer community. Notable species: C. maritima, G. flavum, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima. Shingle habitat score: 1.9 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH9 Crambe maritima – Solanum dulcamara pioneer community but Solanum rare and Pastinaca and Plantago abundant. b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: SD1 d) Habitats Directive Annex I: 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 7. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 1.3.

Species Common name Abundance (DAFOR scale)

Crambe maritima Sea Kale D Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip A Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain A

Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury F Daucus carota Wild Carrot F Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy F Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog F Medicago lupulina Black Medick F Ononis repens Common Restharrow F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Rumex crispus Curled Dock F Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop F Sonchus arvensis Perennial Sowthistle F Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss O Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 21 Species Common name Abundance (DAFOR scale)

Sedum album White Stonecrop O Trifolium scabrum Rough Clover O Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed O Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax R Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb R Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat’s Ear R Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax R Picris hieracioides Hawkweed Oxtonuge R Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain R Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet R Total number of species 26

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 22 1.4 Tide Mills West, Newhaven, landward of footpath TQ 4567 0024 Date of visit: 27 June 2003 Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV. Site Description: Area 1.36ha, 55% bare shingle. Site adjacent to large floodplain. Management history: Previously railway sidings, a hospital and army training area during World War II, and was therefore subject to heavy vehicular traffic. Designated as a SNCI by Lewes District Council in 1992. Heavily used by dog walkers and popular as a recreational resource. Damage/disturbance: Compaction, trampling and enrichment. Habitat description: Pioneer community with Crambe dominant and Pastinaca and Plantago abundant. Notable species: C. maritima, G. flavum, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima. Shingle habitat score: 1.8 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH9a Crambe maritima – Solanum dulcamara pioneer community, Rumex crispus sub-community, but Solanum rare. b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: SD1 d) Habitats Directive Annex I: 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 8. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 1.4.

Species Common name Abundance (DAFOR scale) Crambe maritima Sea Kale D Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip A Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain A

Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury F Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk’s-beard F Daucus carota Wild Carrot F Festuca rubra Red Fescue F Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy F Hirschfeldia incana Hoary Mustard F Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog F Medicago lupulina Black Medick F Ononis repens Common Restharrow F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Rumex crispus Curled Dock F Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop F Sonchus sp. Sowthistle sp. F Agrostis sp. Bent sp. O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 23 Species Common name Abundance (DAFOR scale) Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet O Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw O Juncus gerardii Saltmarsh Rush O Trifolium pratense Red Clover O Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed O Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax R Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb R Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear R Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax R Picris hieracioides Hawkweed Oxtonuge R Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain R Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet R Total number of species 29

1.4

1.1

4 1 3 2

1.3

1.2

Fig 4. Aerial Photograph of Tide Mills survey sites, 1.1 to 1.4. Scale 1:6000.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 24 2.1 Seaford Bay, Dane Road to Martello Tower TV 4815 9870 Date of visit: 04 August 2003 Surveyors: TY, EL. Site Description: Area 2.32ha, 98% bare shingle. Long linear survey area adjacent to the promenade. Management history: Seaford Beach was completely recharged in the 1980s using shingle dredged from offshore. The Environment Agency carry out routine shingle recycling and reprofiling during the winter. A designated bathing beach, the beach is primarily managed as a coastal defence and as a recreational resource. Damage/disturbance: Severe compaction with increased load of sand and artificial profile with frequent cliffing. Due to the linear nature of the beach and the close proximity to the promenade, the beach is relatively narrow. The sea therefore is able to wash right up to the sea wall during storm events, particularly in the winter. Habitat description: Damaged pioneer community heavily influenced by shingle recycling with very few shingle species; only Beta and Atriplex. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima. Shingle habitat score: 0.1 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: No fit to any shingle community d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit

Table 9. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 2.1.

Species Common name Abundance (DAFOR scale) Picris echioides Bristly Oxtounge O Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache O Tripleurospermum inodorum Scentless Mayweed O Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot R Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil R Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear R Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle R Rumex crispus Curled Dock R Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain R Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass R Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass R Total number of species 13

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 25 2.2 Seaford Bay, Martello Tower to Hawks Brow TV 4865 9813 Date of visit: 04 August 2003 Surveyors: TY. Site Description: Area 1.73ha, 90% bare shingle. Long linear survey area adjacent to the promenade. Survey area ran from the east of the Martello Tower to the terminal groyne, and beyond to Hawk’s brow, encompassing shingle below the chalk cliffs. Management history: Seaford Beach was completely recharged in the 1980s using shingle dredged from offshore. The Environment Agency carry out routine shingle recycling and reprofiling during the winter. A designated bathing beach, the beach is primarily managed as a coastal defence and as a recreational resource. Damage/disturbance: Severe compaction with increased load of sand and artificial profile with frequent cliffing. Due to the linear nature of the beach and the close proximity to the promenade, the beach is relatively narrow. The sea therefore is able to wash right up to the sea wall during storm events, particularly in the winter. The chalk cliffs in this area support a significant breeding colony of kittiwakes and are therefore subject to enrichment from the guano. Habitat description: Damaged pioneer community, heavily influenced by shingle recycling. Atriplex was the frequent shingle species present. Notable species: B. vulagris ssp. maritima. Shingle habitat score: 0.1 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: No fit to any shingle community although could be likened to MC6 Atriplex prostrata – Beta vulgaris maritima sea-bird cliff community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit

Table 10. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 2.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache F Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed F Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed F Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog F Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear F Persicaria maculosa Redshank F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass F Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell F

Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Arctium minus Lesser Burdock O Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 26 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet O Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Daucus carota Wild Carrot O Festuca rubra Red Fescue O Galium aparine Cleavers O Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John’s-wort O Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil O Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed O Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot O Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear R Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle R Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog’s-tail R Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot R Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy R Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass R Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil R Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass R Rumex crispus Curled Dock R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Trifolium repens White Clover R Tripleurospermum inodorum Scentless Mayweed R Total Number of Species 36

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 27 2.3 Seaford Bay, Martello Road to Cliff Gardens TV 4859 9845 Date of visit: 04 August 2003 Surveyors: TY. Site Description: Area 1.61ha, 5% bare shingle. This survey site comprised three sections landward of the road along the sea front. They support a low cropped sward of grassland species but were surveyed to ascertain the presence of any coastal species given the close proximity to the beach and therefore the strong maritime influence. Management history: The exact history of the site is unknown. Land levels are significantly lower than adjacent land. It is likely that the site was seeded with grassland species. Damage/disturbance: Owned and managed by Lewes District Council as a recreational area, the area is regularly mown throughout the summer. Heavily used by dog walkers and subject to pedestrian traffic. Habitat description: Grassland community with 39 species. The maritime influence is apparent from the presence of Atriplex (frequent) and Beta (occasional). Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima. Shingle habitat score: 0.0 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: Grassland community d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit

Table 11. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 2.3.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass D Bellis perennis Common Daisy A Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog A Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass A Taraxacum agg. Dandelions A Trifolium repens White Clover A Veronica agrestis Green Field-speedwell A

Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache F Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed F Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil F Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock F Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort F Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell F Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 28 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet O Cardamine sp. Bitter-cress sp. O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot O Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup O Tripleurospermum inodorum Scentless Mayweed O Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot O Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear R Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear R Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog’s-tail R Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Festuca rubra Red Fescue R Galium aparine Cleavers R Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear R Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy R Persicaria maculosa Redshank R Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain R Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass R Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles R Rumex crispus Curled Dock R Total Number of Species 39

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 29

1 2.3 2.1 3

3 2

3

2.2

Fig 5. Aerial Photograph of Seaford Bay survey sites, 2.1 to 2.3. Scale 1:6000.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 30 3.1 Cuckmere Haven west, east of cable hut TV 5147 9772 Date of visit: 16 September 2003. Surveyors: TY. Site Description: Area 0.08ha, 3-5% bare shingle. A small patch of scrubland at the end of the long distance footpath, the Vanguard Way and the footpath from Seaford Head to the beach. Management history: The owners of the Coastguard Cottages on Seaford Head have vehicular access along the Vanguard Way and the area is sometimes used for the storage of vehicles during beach recycling works. The site is adjacent to on old cable hut and close to a World War II pill box. The site lies within the Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve and the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI, designated in 1953. Damage/disturbance: The site is heavily compacted and enriched as would be expected from the management history above. Habitat description: Scrub community with 38 species. The strong maritime influence is apparent from the presence of several coastal species including E. atherica (abundant) and B. vulgaris ssp. maritima (occasional). Notable species: E. atherica, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, H. rhamnoides. Shingle habitat score: -0.9 Community type: a) Shingle community: Closest match is SH114 Hedera helix – Rubus fruticosus – Arrhenatherum elatius community, particularly in terms of maritime influence, but also some similarities with SH119 Rubus fruticosus – Arrhenatherum elatius scrub community. b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: W24 Rubus fruticosus – Holcus lanatus underscrub is the closest match to SH119 with less Holcus lanatus. There is no clear NVC equivalent to SH114 (Sneddon & Randall, 1993). d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit

Table 12. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 3.1.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Sambucus nigra Elder A Hedera helix Ivy A Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch A Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles F Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock F

Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet O Prunus spinosa Blackthorn O Silene latifolia White Campion O Daucus carota Wild Carrot O Stellaria media Common Chickweed O Trifolium repens White Clover O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 31 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil O Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear O Urtica dioica Common Nettle O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill O Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill O Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass O Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail O Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw O Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed O Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear O Carex pendula Pendulous sedge O Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Hippophae rhamnoides Sea-buckthorn O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Achillea millefolium Yarrow O Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog O Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain R Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot R Bellis perennis Common Daisy R Rumex crispus Curled Dock R Salix caprea Goat Willow R Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed R Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed R Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel R Total number of species 38

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 32 3.2 Cuckmere Haven west, shingle ridge TV 5160 9771 Date of visit: 16 September 2003. Surveyors: TY. Site Description: Area 0.52ha, 90% bare shingle. Heavily managed and eroding shingle beach to the west of the river mouth. The survey area covered the top of the ridge and the landward slope, and ran along the side of the river to the floodbank. Management history: Cuckmere Haven has been extensively managed since medieval times. Shingle extraction from the beach occurred until around the 1950s and the area was used as a decoy using World War II. Hard defences at the base of the cliffs below the Coastguard Cottages and a lack of new material being added because of impeded longshore movement have resulted into a heavily eroded beach. The mouth of the river has been fixed in place since the early 1900s and wooden groynes were also put in place at around this time. Shingle is dredged out of the river mouth, recycled to the west beach then reprofiled at least twice a year. The site lies within the Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve and the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI, designated in 1953. Damage/disturbance: The site is heavily compacted with high sand content, and heavily disturbed as indicated by the presence of species such as C. arvense and S. jacobaea. Habitat description: Pioneer community, heavily influenced by mechanical recharge. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, C. maritima, G. flavum. Shingle habitat score: 0.1 Community type: a) Shingle community: Poor SH24 Rumex crispus – Tripleurospermum maritimum – Glaucium flavum pioneer community. b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: Poor SD1 d) Habitats Directive Annex I: Poor 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks

Table 13. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 3.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet O Cardamine sp. Bitter-cress sp O Centranthus ruber Red Valerian O Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil O Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain O Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass O Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed O Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Agrostis capillaris Common Bent R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 33 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache R Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle R Crambe maritima Sea Kale R Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill R Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy R Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog R Potentilla anserina Silverweed R Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Stellaria media Common Chickweed R Total number of species 23

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 34 3.3 Cuckmere Haven west, around saline lagoon TV 5154 9774 Date of visit: 16 September 2003. Surveyors: TY. Site Description: Area 0.45ha, 15% bare shingle. The site surveyed comprised the low lying are of shingle around a saline lagoon, backed by concrete tank traps from World War II, and part of the shingle slope. Management history: Cuckmere Haven has been extensively managed since medieval times. Shingle extraction from the beach occurred until around the 1950s and the area was used as a decoy using World War II. Hard defences at the base of the cliffs below the Coastguard Cottages and a lack of new material being added because of impeded longshore movement have resulted into a heavily eroded beach. The mouth of the river has been fixed in place since the early 1900s and wooden groynes were also put in place at around this time. Shingle is dredged out of the river mouth, recycled to the west beach then reprofiled at least twice a year. The site lies within the Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve and the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI, designated in 1953. Damage/disturbance: Relatively little disturbance due to lagoon. Some evidence of rabbit grazing around the edges of the site. Habitat description: Saltmarsh community on shingle with a high diversity of species (53 recorded) Notable species: A. portulacoides, S. ramosissima, S. maritima, A. tripolium, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, Salicornia sp., Cakile maritima. Also L. purpurea as it is a known larval food plant of the BAP and RDB3 species C. lunula (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy, 2001). Shingle habitat score: 0.3 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit to any shingle communities. b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: Atriplex portulacoides dominated habitat similar to SM22 Halimione [Atriplex] portulacoides – Frankenia leavis saltmarsh or SM14 Halimione portulacoides saltmarsh community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit

Table 14. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 3.3.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Atriplex portulacoides Sea Purslane D Salicornia ramosissima Purple Glasswort A Suaeda maritima Annual Sea-blite A

Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles F Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail F Papaver dubium Long-headed Poppy F Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle F Plantago media Hoary Plantain F Aster tripolium Sea Aster F

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 35 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss F Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet O Medicago lupulina Black Medick O Bellis perennis Common Daisy O Euphrasia nemorosa Common Eyebright O Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup O Foeniculum vulgare Fennel O Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail O Salicornia agg. Glassworts O Juncus inflexus Hard Rush O Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear O Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear O Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Phleum pratense Timothy O Juncus bufonius Toad Rush O Carduus crispus Welted Thistle O Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony R Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders R Carlina vulgaris Carline Thistle R Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy R Cotoneaster sp. Cotoneaster sp. R Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog’s-tail R Ribes sp. Currant sp. R Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill R Rumex crispus Curled Dock R Iris foetidissima Stinking Iris R Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb R Senecio vulgaris Groundsel R Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit R Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard R Quercus ilex Evergreen Oak R Lunaria annua Honesty R Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed R Oxalis articulata Pink-sorrel R Populus alba White Poplar R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 36 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax R Cakile maritima Sea Rocket R Matricaria recutita Scented Mayweed R Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine R Hypericum pulchrum Slender St John’s-wort R Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle R Sedum album White Stonecrop R Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Total number of species 53

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 37 3.4 Cuckmere Haven east, top of shingle ridge TV 5193 9764 Date of visit: 22 July 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV. Site Description: Area 1.70ha, 90% bare shingle. A large linear site on the east of the Cuckmere river, running along the top of the shingle ridge, parallel to the mean high water mark, from the access path below Haven Brow to the river. Management history: Cuckmere Haven has been extensively managed since medieval times. Shingle extraction from the beach occurred until around the 1950s and the area was used as a decoy using World War II. The mouth of the river has been fixed in place since the early 1900s. No coastal defence management is currently carried out on the east side of the river and the beach has a relatively natural profile. The site lies within the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI, designated in 1953, and the Seven Sisters Country Park. It is managed as a recreational and educational resource. Damage/disturbance: Pedestrian traffic is significantly higher on the east side than the west and there is evidence of significant rabbit grazing. Habitat description: Secondary pioneer community with T. maritimum and P. media abundant. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, E. atherica, S. maritimum, C. maritima, C. maritimum. Shingle habitat score: 0.7 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH27 Tripleurospermum maritimum – Atriplex prostrata – Rumex crispus pioneer community and/or SH15 Beta vulgaris maritima – Rumex crispus pioneer community although not a close match. b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: SD1a Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community, typical sub- community and/or SD1 Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 15. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 3.4.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed A Plantago media Hoary Plantain A Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet F Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain F Juncus gerardii Saltmarsh Rush F Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch F Seriphidium maritimum Sea Wormwood F Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel F

Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 38 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Agrostis capillaris Common Bent O Crambe maritima Sea Kale O Prunus spinosa Blackthorn O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot O Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat- grass O Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass O Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache O Festuca rubra Red Fescue O Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle O Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil R Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit R Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw R Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw R Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire R Total number of species 29

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 39 3.5 Cuckmere Haven east, north facing shingle slope TV 5184 9769 Date of visit: 22 July 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV. Site Description: Area 0.71ha, 85% bare shingle. A linear site on the landward facing seaward slope, parallel to site 3.4 on the east of the Cuckmere river. Management history: Cuckmere Haven has been extensively managed since medieval times. Shingle extraction from the beach occurred until around the 1950s and the area was used as a decoy using World War II. The mouth of the river has been fixed in place since the early 1900s. No coastal defence management is currently carried out on the east side of the river and the beach has a relatively natural profile. The site lies within the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI, designated in 1953, and the Seven Sisters Country Park. It is managed as a recreational and educational resource. Damage/disturbance: Pedestrian traffic is significantly higher on the east side than the west and there is evidence of significant rabbit grazing. Habitat description: Secondary pioneer community with T. maritimum and P. media abundant. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, C. maritima, E. atherica, S. maritimum, C. maritimum. Shingle habitat score: 0.7 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH27 Tripleurospermum maritimum – Atriplex prostrata – Rumex crispus pioneer community and/or SH15 Beta vulgaris maritima – Rumex crispus pioneer community although not a close match. b) Broad shingle community: No fit c) NVC: SD1a Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community, typical sub- community and/or SD1 Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community, although G. flavum absent. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 16. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 3.5.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed A Plantago media Hoary Plantain A Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet F Crambe maritima Sea Kale F Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass F Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain F Juncus gerardii Saltmarsh Rush F Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch F Seriphidium maritimum Sea Wormwood F Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel F

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 40 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale)

Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony O Prunus spinosa Blackthorn O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot O Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache O Festuca rubra Red Fescue O Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle O Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil R Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit R Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw R Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw R Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire R Total number of species 27

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 41 3.6 Cuckmere Haven east, landward base of slope TV 5176 9774 Date of visit: 22 July 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV. Site Description: Area 0.95ha, 70% bare shingle. A linear site at the base of the shingle slope, parallel to site 3.5 on the east of the Cuckmere river. An influx of grassland species indicating the influence of the nearby grazing pasture. Management history: Cuckmere Haven has been extensively managed since medieval times. Shingle extraction from the beach occurred until around the 1950s and the area was used as a decoy using World War II. The mouth of the river has been fixed in place since the early 1900s. No coastal defence management is currently carried out on the east side of the river and the beach has a relatively natural profile. The site lies within the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI, designated in 1953, and the Seven Sisters Country Park. It is managed as a recreational and educational resource. Damage/disturbance: Pedestrian traffic is significantly higher on the east side than the west and there is evidence of significant rabbit grazing. Habitat description: Pioneer community with R. crispus, T. maritimum and E. atherica abundant and A. elatius and C. maritima frequent. Notable species: E. atherica, C. maritima, G. flavum. Shingle habitat score: 0.4 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH8 Senecio viscosus - Glaucium flavum – Rumex crispus pioneer community (although Glaucium flavium only present as a minor associate). b) Broad shingle community: Group 1. c) NVC: SD1 Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 17. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 3.6.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Rumex crispus Curled Dock A Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed A Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch A Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass F Arctium minus Lesser Burdock F Juncus gerardii Saltmarsh Rush F Crambe maritima Sea Kale F

Galium aparine Cleavers O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch O Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 42 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear O Centranthus ruber Red Valerian O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Senecio viscosus Sticky Groundsel O Medicago lupulina Black Medick R Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue R Taraxacum agg. Dandelions R Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill R Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop R Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not R Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy R Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel R Juncus bufonius Toad Rush R Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss R Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog R Total number of species 27

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 43 3.7 Cuckmere Haven east, flat area behind ridge TV 5188 9773 Date of visit: 22 July 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV. Site Description: Area 2.59ha, 15% bare shingle. A large site at the base of the shingle slope, adjacent and parallel to site 3.6 on the east of the Cuckmere river. An influx of grassland species indicating the influence of the nearby grazing pasture. Management history: Cuckmere Haven has been extensively managed since medieval times. Shingle extraction from the beach occurred until around the 1950s and the area was used as a decoy using World War II. The mouth of the river has been fixed in place since the early 1900s. No coastal defence management is currently carried out on the east side of the river and the beach has a relatively natural profile. The site lies within the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI, designated in 1953, and the Seven Sisters Country Park. It is managed as a recreational and educational resource. Damage/disturbance: Pedestrian traffic is significantly higher on the east side than the west and there is evidence of significant rabbit grazing. Habitat description: A diverse area with a high diversity of species (60 recorded) including coastal species, and areas of scrub and grassland. Notable species: E. atherica, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, G. flavum, A. portulacoides, S. marina, L. binervosum agg., G. maritima. Shingle habitat score: 0.8 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit to a shingle community. b) Broad shingle community: Poor Group 2. c) NVC: Grassland community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 18. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 3.7.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Rumex crispus Curled Dock A Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch A Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed A Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch A Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet F Daucus carota Wild Carrot F Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass F Lotus pedunculatus Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil F Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit F Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel F Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle F Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle F Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel F

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 44 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony O Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot O Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane O Urtica dioica Common Nettle O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil O Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop O Hordeum sp. Barley sp. O Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Ligustrum sp. Privet sp. O Ononis repens Common Restharrow O Crambe maritima Sea Kale O Atriplex portulacoides Sea Purslane O Potentilla anserine Silverweed O Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss O Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed R Medicago lupulina Black Medick R Prunus spinosa Blackthorn R Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain R Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury R Galium aparine Cleavers R Trifolium repens White Clover R Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup R Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle R Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill R Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill R Sambucus nigra Elder R Senecio erucifolius Hoary Ragwort R Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed R Cynoglossum officinale Hound’s-tounge R Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed R Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 45 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Spergularia marina Lesser Sea-spurrey R Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling R Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear R Atriplex prostrate Spear-leaved Orache R Odontites vernus Red Bartsia R Trifolium pratense Red Clover R Limonium binervosum agg. Rock Sea-lavender R Glaux maritima Sea-milkwort R Sonchus sp. Sowthistle sp. R Juncus bufonius Toad Rush R Torilis japonica Upright Hedge-parsley R Bryonia dioica White Bryony R Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog R Total number of species 60

3.3 3.1

3.7

7 5 4 6 3

2

1

3.2 3.4

3.5

3.6

Fig 6. Aerial Photograph of Cuckmere Haven survey sites, 3.1 to 3.7. Scale 1:3500.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 46 4.1 Holywell, treatment works to access path TV 6020 9699 Date of visit: 29 July 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.57ha, 95% bare shingle. A small site at the base of low chalk cliffs with a narrow beach and easy pedestrian access. Management history: Sea walls and timber groynes were constructed along the whole of the Eastbourne frontage from Holywell eastwards circa 1900/1930. Between 1995 and 1999 these groynes were replaced with new groynes and the beach was recharged using dredged shingle. A 75 m rock revetment was constructed at the base of the cliffs in 2001 to protect the water source. The site lies within the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI and is adjacent to the Cliffs below the Helen Garden SNCI. Damage/disturbance: Although there is some pedestrian traffic due to the proximity to an easy access point, this is relatively low given the frequency of cliff falls. Cliff falls have enriched the shingle and proximity to cliff top properties means that several cultivated species are present, e.g. B. davidii. Coastal defence works have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Habitat description: Not a recognised shingle community but an enriched shingle habitat with abundant D. glomerata and O. repens and occasional maritime species and garden escapes. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, C. maritima, C. maritimum, M. sinuata, R. raphanistrum ssp. maritimus, L. arborea, G. flavum, L. binervosum agg. Also L. vulgare as it is a known larval food plant of the BAP and RDB3 species C. lunula (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy, 2001). Shingle habitat score: -0.8 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit to a shingle community. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: Possible grassland community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 19. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 4.1.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot A Ononis repens Common Restharrow A

Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass O Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Crambe maritima Sea Kale O Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire O Daucus carota Wild Carrot O Diplotaxis muralis Annual Wall-rocket O Erysimum sp. Wallflower O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 47 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit O Matthiola sinuate Sea Stock O Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Raphanus raphanistrum ssp. Sea Radish O maritimus Senecio cineraria Silver Ragwort O Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders O Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle O Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle O Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch R Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort R Ballota nigra Black Horehound R Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort R Buddleja davidii Butterfly-bush R Centranthus ruber Red Valerian R Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy R Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed R Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel R Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss R Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony R Festuca rubra Red Fescue R Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw R Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy R Hedera helix Ivy R Inula conyzae Ploughman’s-spikenard R Lavatera arborea Tree-mallow R Ligustrum sp. Privet sp. R Limonium binervosum agg. Rock Sea-lavender R Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax R Malva sylvestris Common Mallow R Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy R Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed R Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass R Prunus domestica Wild Plum R Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 48 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Reseda luteola Weld R Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles R Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Senecio vulgaris Groundsel R Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot R Urtica dioica Common Nettle R Total number of species 57

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 49 4.2 Holywell, access path to café TV 60349722 Date of visit: 29 July 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 1.15ha, 99% bare shingle. A long linear site following the promenade. There is a footpath running along the beach and regular access points from the promenade to the beach. Management history: Sea walls and timber groynes were constructed along the whole of the Eastbourne frontage from Holywell eastwards circa 1900/1930. Between 1995 and 1999 these groynes were replaced with new groynes and the beach was recharged using dredged shingle. The site lies within the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI and adjacent to the Holywell and Crows Nest Steps SNCI. Damage/disturbance: Heavy pedestrian traffic and significant enrichment, particularly around access points, from litter and waste water from local cafés. Coastal defence and promenade works have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Plants are restricted to growing in small clumps against the seawall. The beach is relatively narrow and thus the sea sometimes washes right up to the wall. Habitat description: Very damaged shingle site. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima. Shingle habitat score: 0.7 Community type: a) Shingle community: A poor SH24 Rumex crispus – Tripleurospermum maritimum – Glaucium flavum pioneer community (not a close match, probably reflecting the high level of disturbance on this site). b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 20. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 4.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort O Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed O Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet R Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear R Hieracium sp. Hawkweed sp. R Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain R Total number of species 8

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 50

2

4.2

1

1

4.1

Fig. 7. Aerial Photograph of Holywell survey sites, 4.1 to 4.2. Scale 1:3500.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 51 5.1 Eastbourne seafront, café to outfall TV 6048 9739 Date of visit: 27 May 2004. Surveyors: TY. Site Description: Area 0.10ha, 94% bare shingle. A small site adjacent to the sea wall. Management history: Sea walls and timber groynes were constructed along the whole of the Eastbourne frontage from Holywell eastwards circa 1900/1930. Between 1995 and 1999 these groynes were replaced with new groynes and the beach was recharged using dredged shingle. The beach protects a dense urban area. The site lies within the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI and adjacent to the Holywell and Crows Nest Steps SNCI. Managed as a bathing beach. Damage/disturbance: Heavy pedestrian traffic and significant enrichment, particularly around access points, from litter and waste water from local cafés. Coastal defence and promenade works have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Plants are restricted to growing in small clumps against the seawall. The beach is relatively narrow and thus the sea sometimes washes right up to the wall. Habitat description: Pioneer community with abundant C. ruber and frequent C. maritima. The relatively high number of species recorded (41) indicates enrichment, whilst the high percentage of bare shingle within the polygon demonstrates the concentration of species along the seawall. Notable species: C. maritima, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, E. atherica. Also L. vulgaris and L. purpurea as they are known larval food plants of the BAP and RDB3 species C. lunula (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy, 2001). Shingle habitat score: -1.4 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH8 Senecio viscosus – Glaucium flavum – Rumex crispus pioneer community, although not a close match. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: Poor SD1 Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: Poor 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 21. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 5.1.

Abundance Species Name Common Name (DAFOR scale) Centranthus ruber Red Valerian A Bromopsis ramose Hairy-brome F Senecio vulgaris Groundsel F Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Crambe maritima Sea Kale F Hordeum murinum Wall Barley F

Bromus hordeaceus Soft-brome O Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot O Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leafed Dock O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 52 Abundance Species Name Common Name (DAFOR scale) Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome O Foeniculum vulgare Fennel O Medicago lupulina Black Medick O Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass O Plantago media Hoary Plantain O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish O Senecio cineraria Silver Ragwort O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle O Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-summer O Sonchus arvensis Perennial Sowthistle O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax O Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Galium aparine Cleavers R Clematis sp. Clematis sp. R Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear R Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy R Trifolium pratense Red Clover R Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch R Raphanus sp. Radish sp. R Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle R Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel R Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax R Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy R Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Total number of species 41

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 53 5.2 Eastbourne seafront, outfall to Silverdale Road TV 6082 9773 Date of visit: 27 May 2004. Surveyors: TY Site Description: Area 1.56ha, 95% bare shingle. A long linear site close to Eastbourne town centre adjacent to the sea wall. Management history: Sea walls and timber groynes were constructed along the whole of the Eastbourne frontage from Holywell eastwards circa 1900/1930. Between 1995 and 1999 these groynes were replaced with new groynes and the beach was recharged using dredged shingle. The beach protects a dense urban area. The majority of the site lies adjacent to the Seaford to Beachy Head SSSI. Managed as a bathing beach. Damage/disturbance: Heavy pedestrian traffic and significant enrichment, particularly around access points, from litter and waste water from local cafés. Coastal defence and promenade works have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Plants are restricted to growing in small clumps against the seawall. The beach is relatively narrow in places and thus the sea sometimes washes right up to the wall. Habitat description: A heavily managed and heavily used fringing beach with a pioneer community. Notable species: C. maritimum, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, S. uniflora, C. maritima, E. atherica, G. flavum. Shingle habitat score: 0.2 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH6a Silene maritima dominated pioneer community, Glaucium flavum sub-community. b) Broad shingle community: Group 4. c) NVC: Poor SD1 Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: Poor 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 22. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 5.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Rumex crispus Curled Dock F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F

Bromus hordeaceus Soft-brome O Bromopsis ramose Hairy-brome O Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot O Senecio vulgaris Groundsel O Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish O Centranthus ruber Red Valerian O Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 54 Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort O Anagallis arvensis Scarlet pimpernel O Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Silene uniflora Sea Campion O Crambe maritima Sea Kale O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Agrostis capillaris Common Bent R Galium aparine Cleavers R Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache R Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain R Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch R Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell R Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy R Total number of species 25

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 55 5.3 Eastbourne seafront, Silverdale Road to Wish Tower TV 6125 9808 Date of visit: 27 May 2004. Surveyors: TY. Site Description: Area 0.36ha, 98% bare shingle. A linear site close to Eastbourne town centre adjacent to the sea wall. Management history: Sea walls and timber groynes were constructed along the whole of the Eastbourne frontage from Holywell eastwards circa 1900/1930. Between 1995 and 1999 these groynes were replaced with new groynes and the beach was recharged using dredged shingle. The beach protects a dense urban area. Managed as a bathing beach. Damage/disturbance: Heavy pedestrian traffic and significant enrichment, particularly around access points, from litter and waste water from local cafés. Coastal defence and promenade works have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Plants are restricted to growing in small clumps against the seawall. The beach is relatively narrow in places and thus the sea sometimes washes right up to the wall. Habitat description: A heavily managed and heavily used fringing beach with a pioneer community. Notable species: C. marinum, C. maritimum, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, S. uniflora, C. maritima. Shingle habitat score: -0.7 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH6a Silene maritima dominated pioneer community, Glaucium flavum sub-community or SH20 Lolium perenne – Stellaria media – Sedum acre – open community. b) Broad shingle community: Group 4. c) NVC: Poor SD1 Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community. No close NVC match to SH20 although it is similar to MC7 Stellaria media – Rumex acetosa sea- bird cliff colony (Sneddon & Randall, 1993). d) Habitats Directive Annex I: Poor 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 23. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 5.3.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Bromopsis ramose Hairy-brome O Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot O Taraxacum agg. Dandelions O Crepis vesicaria Beaked Hawk’s-beard O Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass O Medicago lupulina Black Medick O Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue O Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish O Centranthus ruber Red Valerian O Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass O Catapodium marinum Sea Fern-grass O Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s-purse O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 56 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Euphorbia sp. Spurge sp. O Senecio viscosus Sticky Groundsel O Hordeum murinum Wall Barley O Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary O Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet R Stellaria media Common Chickweed R Galium aparine Cleavers R Trifolium repens White Clover R Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy R Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax R Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort R Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain R Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire R Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet R Silene uniflora Sea Campion R Crambe maritima Sea Kale R Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle R Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-summer R Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle R Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop R Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison R Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Total number of species 37

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 57 5.4 Eastbourne seafront, Wish Tower to Pier TV 6158 9863 Date of visit: 27 May 2004. Surveyors: TY. Site Description: Area 0.74ha, 98% bare shingle. A long, narrow linear site close to Eastbourne town centre, adjacent to the sea wall. Management history: Sea walls and timber groynes were constructed along the whole of the Eastbourne frontage from Holywell eastwards circa 1900/1930. Between 1995 and 1999 these groynes were replaced with new groynes and the beach was recharged using dredged shingle. The beach protects a dense urban area. Managed as a bathing beach. Damage/disturbance: Heavy pedestrian traffic and significant enrichment, particularly around access points, from litter and waste water from local cafés. Coastal defence and promenade works have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Plants are restricted to growing in small clumps against the seawall. The beach is relatively narrow in places and thus the sea sometimes washes right up to the wall. Habitat description: A heavily managed and heavily used fringing beach with a pioneer community. Notable species: C. maritimum, C. maritima, G. flavum. Shingle habitat score: 0.6 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH9 Crambe maritima – Solanum dulcamara pioneer community or SH8 Senecio viscosus – Glaucium flavum – Rumex crispus pioneer community, although not a close match. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: Poor SD1 Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: Poor 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 24. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 5.4.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet O Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot O Senecio vulgaris Groundsel O Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit O Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass O Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear O Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue O Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain O Plantago media Hoary Plantain O Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb O Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire O Crambe maritima Sea Kale O Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle O Hordeum murinum Wall Barley O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 58 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Achillea millefolium Yarrow O Fraxinus excelsior Ash R Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles R Bromus hordaceous Soft-brome R Bromopsis ramosa Hairy-brome R Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot R Foeniculum vulgare Fennel R Senecio viscosus Sticky Groundsel R Urtica dioica Common Nettle R Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish R Senecio cineraria Silver Ragwort R Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass R Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison R Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle R Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy R Total number of species 30

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 59 5.5 Eastbourne seafront, Pier to the Redoubt TV 6204 9935 Date of visit: 27 May 2004. Surveyors: TY. Site Description: Area 1.26ha, 98% bare shingle. A long, narrow linear site close to Eastbourne town centre, adjacent to the sea wall. Management history: Sea walls and timber groynes were constructed along the whole of the Eastbourne frontage from Holywell eastwards circa 1900/1930. Between 1995 and 1999 these groynes were replaced with new groynes and the beach was recharged using dredged shingle. The beach protects a dense urban area. Managed as a bathing beach. A concrete wall was built to protect the Redoubt in c. 1970. Damage/disturbance: Heavy pedestrian traffic and significant enrichment, particularly around access points, from litter and waste water from local cafés. Coastal defence and promenade works have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Plants are restricted to growing in small clumps against the seawall. The beach is relatively narrow in places and thus the sea sometimes washes right up to the wall. Habitat description: A heavily managed and heavily used fringing beach with a pioneer community. Notable species: None. Shingle habitat score: -1.0 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 25. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 5.5.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot F Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill F Rumex crispus Curled Dock F Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit F Crepis vesicaria Beaked Hawk’s-beard F

Hordeum murinum Wall Barley F

Agrostis capillaris Common Bent O Taraxacum agg. Dandelions O Medicago lupulina Black Medick O Plantago media Hoary Plantain O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish O

Centranthus ruber Red Valerian O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 60 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed R Foeniculum vulgare Fennel R Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard R Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy R Sonchus arvensis Perennial Sowthistle R

Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Total number of species 20

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.1

Fig. 8a. Aerial Photograph of Eastbourne seafront survey sites, 5.1 to 5.4 (part). Scale 1:6000.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 61

5.5

5.4

Fig. 8b. Aerial Photograph of Eastbourne seafront survey sites, 5.4 to 5.5 (part). Scale 1:6000.

5.5

Fig. 8c. Aerial Photograph of Eastbourne seafront survey sites, 5.5. Scale 1:6000.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 62 6.1 Eastbourne sailing club, Redoubt to Channel View Road TQ 6257 9995 Date of visit: 29 July 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 2.62ha, 85% bare shingle. A relatively large site close to Eastbourne town centre, adjacent to the sea wall. Management history: Sea walls and timber groynes were constructed along the whole of the Eastbourne frontage from Holywell eastwards circa 1900/1930. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. A concrete wall was built to protect the Redoubt in c. 1970. The beach protects a dense urban area. Damage/disturbance: Pedestrian traffic and enrichment is lighter than on the seafront to the west. Coastal defence works have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Boats are stored on the beach and there are a few beach huts. Plants are restricted to growing in small clumps against the seawall and between boats. Habitat description: A heavily managed and heavily used fringing beach with a pioneer community. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, G. flavum, E. atherica. Shingle habitat score: 0.5 Community type: a) Shingle community: Something like SH15 Beta vulgaris maritima – Rumex crispus pioneer community, or possible SH22 Glaucium flavum dominated pioneer community. In both cases, not a close match due to the high occurrence of species indicative of disturbance and/or enrichment e.g. P. rhoeas, C. vulgare and S. nigra. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: Poor SD1 Rumex crispus – Glaucium flavum shingle community. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: Poor 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks.

Table 26. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 6.1.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy A Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet F Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle F Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy F Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Sambucus nigra Elder F Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet F

Achillea millefolium Yarrow O Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch O Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Bellis perennis Common Daisy O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 63 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Carduus tenuiflorus Slender Thistle O Centranthus ruber Red Valerian O Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss O Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John’s-wort O Malva sylvestris Common Mallow O Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Stellaria media Common Chickweed O Agrostis capillaris Common Bent R Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort R Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed R Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel R Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain R Total number of species 33

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 64 6.2 Eastbourne sailing club, Channel View Road to Sovereign Park TQ 6313 0040 Date of visit: 29 July 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 1.95ha, 99% bare shingle. A relatively large site close to Eastbourne town centre, adjacent to the sea wall. Management history: Sea walls and timber groynes were constructed along the whole of the Eastbourne frontage from Holywell eastwards circa 1900/1930. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. The beach protects a dense urban area. Part of the site lies within the Prince William Parade SNCI. Damage/disturbance: Pedestrian traffic and enrichment is lighter than on the seafront to the west. Coastal defence works have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Boats are stored on the beach and there are a few beach huts. A wide footpath has recently been constructed. Plants are restricted to growing in small clumps against the seawall and between boats. Habitat description: A heavily managed and heavily used fringing beach with a herb dominated pioneer community. Notable species: E. atherica. Shingle habitat score: -0.4 Community type: a) Shingle community: No close match. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 27. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 6.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch F Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass F Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil F

Agrostis capillaris Common Bent O Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Buddleja davidii Butterfly-bush O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot O Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy O Sambucus nigra Elder O Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet O Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort R Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome R Centranthus ruber Red Valerian R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 65 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Total number of species 16

2

2

1

6.2

6.1

Fig. 9. Aerial Photograph of Eastbourne sailing club survey sites, 6.1 and 6.2. Scale 1:6500.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 66 7.1 Pevensey, Bay View caravan park access track TQ 6491 0262 Date of visit: 23 June 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.35ha, 5% bare shingle. The site comprised a private road between the Bay View caravan park and a row of houses built on the beach. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach circa 1900/1930 and in 1992 the Sovereign Harbour breakwater arm was constructed. In 1993, the concrete wall near the breakwater arm was extended and work began on the northern rock breakwaters. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. In 2001 a 440m rock revetment was constructed east of Sovereign Harbour to rear of beach and groynes in the area were partially removed. Since 2003 the beach has been regularly recharged using dredged shingle and reprofiled under a PFI contract. The beach protects a dense urban area. Damage/disturbance: Heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic causing compaction and enrichment, and there is a high proportion of sand in the beach. Coastal defence works and development of Sovereign Harbour and the Crumbles Village have significantly impacted upon the habitat. Top soil has been introduced to encourage the growth of turf and this and the proximity to houses has encouraged the spread of garden species. Habitat description: A compacted and enriched shingle site. Notable species: None. Shingle habitat score: -0.8 Community type: a) Shingle community: No close match. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 28. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 7.1.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Lepidium draba Hoary Cress D Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles A Viola odorata Sweet Violet A

Galium aparine Cleavers F Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine F Rumex crispus Curled Dock F Sinapsis arvensis Charlock F Urtica dioica Common Nettle F Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell F Achillea millefolium Yarrow O Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort O Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 67 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel O Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss O Euphorbia lathyris Caper Spurge O Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw O Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy O Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop O Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort O Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot O Veronica filiformis Slender Speedwell O Bellis perennis Daisy R Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy R Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Erophila verna Common Whitlowgrass R Foeniculum vulgare Fennel R Galanthus nivalis Snowdrop R Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill R Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle R Malva sylvestris Common Mallow R Melissa officinalis Balm R Mentha spicata Spear Mint R Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil R Primula vulgaris Primrose R Prunus spinosa Blackthorn R Sambucus nigra Elder R Scilla verna* Spring Squill R Ulex europaeus Common Gorse R Vinca major Greater Periwinkle R Total number of species 43 * record awaiting confirmation.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 68 7.2 Pevensey, Bay View caravan park, seaward of houses TQ 6496 0262 Date of visit: 23 June 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.23ha, 96% bare shingle. A linear site running along the front of a row of houses built on the beach. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach circa 1900/1930 and in 1992 the Sovereign Harbour breakwater arm was constructed. In 1993, the concrete wall near the breakwater arm was extended and work began on the northern rock breakwaters. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. In 2001 a 440m rock revetment was constructed east of Sovereign Harbour to rear of beach and groynes in the area were partially removed. Since 2003 the beach has been regularly recharged using dredged shingle and reprofiled under a PFI contract. The beach protects a dense urban area. Damage/disturbance: Heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic causing compaction and enrichment, and there is a high proportion of sand in the beach. Coastal defence works and development of Sovereign Harbour and the Crumbles Village have significantly impacted upon the habitat. The proximity to houses has encouraged the spread of garden species. Habitat description: A compacted and enriched shingle site. Notable species: T. scorodonia - the presence of this species is an indicator of the historical interest of the site prior to development. The species is recognised as an indicator of ancient shingle ridges, e.g. at Dungeness (Ferry et al, 1990). Also G. flavum, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, C. maritima. Shingle habitat score: 0.7 Community type: a) Shingle community: No close match. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 29. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 7.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy O Erophila verna Common Whitlowgrass O Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw O Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue O Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop O Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel R Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet R Carlina vulgaris Carline Thistle R Centranthus ruber Red Valerian R Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear R Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 69 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Cochlearia danica Danish Scurvygrass R Crambe maritima Sea Kale R Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax R Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Silene latifolia White Campion R Taraxacum agg. Dandelions R Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage R Total number of species 20

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 70 7.3 Pevensey, Martello Tower to Bay View caravan park TQ 6477 0236 Date of visit: 23 June 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 1.38ha, 80% bare shingle. A linear site seaward of the Crumbles Village development. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach circa 1900/1930 and in 1992 the Sovereign Harbour breakwater arm was constructed. In 1993, the concrete wall near the breakwater arm was extended and work began on the northern rock breakwaters. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. In 2001 a 440m rock revetment was constructed east of Sovereign Harbour to rear of beach and groynes in the area were partially removed. Since 2003 the beach has been regularly recharged using dredged shingle and reprofiled under a PFI contract. The beach protects a dense urban area. Damage/disturbance: Heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic causing compaction and enrichment, and there is a high proportion of sand in the beach. Coastal defence works and development of Sovereign Harbour and the Crumbles Village have significantly impacted upon the habitat. The proximity to houses has encouraged the spread of garden species. Habitat description: A compacted and enriched shingle site. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima. Also, L. vulgaris as it is a known larval food plant of the BAP and RDB3 species C. lunula (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy, 2001). Shingle habitat score: 0.2 Community type: a) Shingle community: No close match. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 30. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 7.3.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss O Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass R Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet R Hypochoeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear R Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling R Lepidium draba Hoary Cress R Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy R Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax R Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed R Salix caprea Goat Willow R Cytisus scoparius Broom R Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 71 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Taraxacum agg. Dandelions R Total number of species 14

7.1

7.2

7.3

Fig. 10. Aerial Photograph of Pevensey survey sites, 7.1 to 7.3. Scale 1:4000.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 72 8.1 Pevensey sailing club west TQ 6495 0278 Date of visit: 04 August 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 1.23ha, 64% bare shingle. This site lies to the west of the Pevensey sailing club, adjacent to Bay View caravan park, and represents one of the last undeveloped remnants of the Crumbles shingle foreland. Some small ridges are visible in the shingle although their history is uncertain. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach circa 1900/1930 and in 1992 the Sovereign Harbour breakwater arm was constructed. In 1993, the concrete wall near the breakwater arm was extended and work began on the northern rock breakwaters. Development of the harbour was part of a larger development of the majority of the shingle foreland, destroying much of the environmental interest that was there and increasing the demand for protection. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. In 2001 a 440m rock revetment was constructed east of Sovereign Harbour to rear of beach and groynes in the area were partially removed. Since 2003 the beach has been regularly recharged using dredged shingle and reprofiled under a PFI contract. Damage/disturbance: Although the site is adjacent to a caravan park, there is no direct access, and the site therefore remains relatively undisturbed. There is an access track to the sailing club, along which grow more ruderal species. There are also occasional bonfires but these are restricted to a small area and do not affect the majority of the site. Habitat description: Dry heath community but unlike anything defined by Senddon & Randall (1993). However, the site shows some similarities to a Dungeness A2 calcifuge grassland community (Ferry et al, 1990). Notable species: T. scorodonia. The presence of this species is an indicator of the historical interest of the site prior to development. The species is recognised as an indicator of ancient shingle ridges, e.g. at Dungeness (Ferry et al, 1990). Also, S. uniflora, G. flavum, A. littoralis, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, C. maritima and L. purpurea as it is a known larval food plant of the BAP and RDB3 species C. lunula (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy, 2001).The site was lichen rich. Shingle habitat score: -0.1 Community type: a) Shingle community: No close match. b) Broad shingle community: Something like Group 4 although E. vulgare present, and S. dulcamara, S. arvensis and T. scabrum absent. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 31. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 8.1.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage D Silene uniflora Sea Campion A

Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle F Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit F

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 73 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop F Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache O Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil O Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel R Cerastium sp. Mouse-ear sp. R Atriplex littoralis Grass-leaved Orache R Bellis perennis Daisy R Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet R Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome R Carduus crispus Welted Thistle R Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge R Centranthus ruber Red Valerian R Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-summer R Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy R Crambe maritima Sea Kale R Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss R Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge R Foeniculum vulgare Fennel R Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill R Hedera helix Ivy R Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog R Iris sp. Iris sp. (garden escape) R Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling R Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax R Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not R Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane R Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup R Rumex acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel R Rumex crispus Curled Dock R Sedum album White Stonecrop R Senecio erucifolius Hoary Ragwort R Senecio viscosus Sticky Groundsel R Silene dioica Red Campion R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 74 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil R Veronica agrestis Green Field-speedwell R Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell R Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle R Total number of species 43

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 75 8.2 Pevensey sailing club north TQ 6491 0290 Date of visit: 04 August 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 1.19ha, 80% bare shingle. This site lies to the north of the Pevensey sailing club, adjacent to an area of grassland and scrub, and represents one of the last undeveloped remnants of the Crumbles shingle foreland. Some small ridges are visible in the shingle although their history is uncertain. A footpath runs along the northern boundary where some small trees have been planted. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach circa 1900/1930 and in 1992 the Sovereign Harbour breakwater arm was constructed. In 1993, the concrete wall near the breakwater arm was extended and work began on the northern rock breakwaters. Development of the harbour was part of a larger development of the majority of the shingle foreland, destroying much of the environmental interest that was there and increasing the demand for protection. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. In 2001 a 440m rock revetment was constructed east of Sovereign Harbour to rear of beach and groynes in the area were partially removed. Since 2003 the beach has been regularly recharged using dredged shingle and reprofiled under a PFI contract. Damage/disturbance: Although the site is adjacent to a caravan park, there is no direct access, and the site therefore remains relatively undisturbed. There is an access track to the sailing club, along which grow more ruderal species. There are also occasional bonfires but these are restricted to a small area and do not affect the majority of the site. Habitat description: Dry heath community but unlike anything defined by Senddon & Randall (1993). However, the site shows some similarities to a Dungeness A2 calcifuge grassland community (Ferry et al, 1990). Notable species: T. scorodonia. The presence of this species is an indicator of the historical interest of the site prior to development. The species is recognised as an indicator of ancient shingle ridges, e.g. at Dungeness (Ferry et al, 1990). Also, S. uniflora, G. flavum, C. maritima and Verbascum lychnitis. The site is lichen rich. Shingle habitat score: 1.4 Community type: a) Shingle community: No close match. b) Broad shingle community: No exact fit although some similarities with Group 3. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 32. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 8.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass D Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage D Silene uniflora Sea Campion A

Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss F Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 76 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain F Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop F Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard F Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet F Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle F Urtica dioica Common Nettle F Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel O Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw O Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not O Plantago major Greater Plantain O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Verbascum thapus Great Mullein O Veronica agrestis Green Field-speedwell O Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort R Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort R Bellis perennis Daisy R Carduus crispus Welted Thistle R Carlina vulgaris Carline Thistle R Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury R Crambe maritima Sea Kale R Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy R Lamium album White Dead-nettle R Malva sylvestris Common Mallow R Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury R Papaver somniferum Opium Poppy R Pentaglottis sempervirens Green Alkanet R Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed R Populus alba White Poplar R Prunella vulgaris Selfheal R Reseda luteola Weld R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 77 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leafed Dock R Salix caprea Goat Willow R Sambucus nigra Elder R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Silene latifolia White Campion R Sinapsis arvensis Charlock R Verbascum lychnitis White Mullein R Total number of species 49

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 78 8.3 Pevensey sailing club east TQ 6505 0292 Date of visit: 04 August 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 1.71ha, 85% bare shingle. This site lies to the west of the Pevensey sailing club, and represents one of the last undeveloped remnants of the Crumbles shingle foreland. Some small ridges are visible in the shingle although their history is uncertain. The survey area included a footpath along which were many grassland species. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach circa 1900/1930 and in 1992 the Sovereign Harbour breakwater arm was constructed. In 1993, the concrete wall near the breakwater arm was extended and work began on the northern rock breakwaters. Development of the harbour was part of a larger development of the majority of the shingle foreland, destroying much of the environmental interest that was there and increasing the demand for protection. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. In 2001 a 440m rock revetment was constructed east of Sovereign Harbour to rear of beach and groynes in the area were partially removed. Since 2003 the beach has been regularly recharged using dredged shingle and reprofiled under a PFI contract. Damage/disturbance: Despite the proximity to the sailing club and some housing, the site remains relatively undisturbed. There is an access track to the sailing club, along which grow more ruderal species. There are also occasional bonfires but these are restricted to a small area and do not affect the majority of the site. Few species grow around the bonfire site. Habitat description: Dry heath community but unlike anything defined by Sneddon & Randall (1993). However, the site shows some similarities to a Dungeness A2 calcifuge grassland community (Ferry et al, 1990). Notable species: T. scorodonia. The presence of this species is an indicator of the historical interest of the site prior to development. The species is recognised as an indicator of ancient shingle ridges, e.g. at Dungeness (Ferry et al, 1990). Also, Cynosurus echinatus. The site is lichen rich. Shingle habitat score: 0.6 Community type: a) Shingle community: No close match. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 33. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 8.3.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed O Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop O Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage O Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail R Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass R Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn R Cynosurus echinatus Rough Dog’s-tail R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 79 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot R Dactylorhiza fuchsia Common Spotted Orchid R Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass R Festuca rubra Red Fescue R Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John’s-wort R Hypochoeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear R Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy R Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil R Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine R Prunus spinosa Blackthorn R Quercus ilex Evergreen Oak R Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup R Rumex crispus Curled Dock R Cytisus scoparius Broom R Trifolium repens White Clover R Ulex europaeus Common Gorse R Vicia sativa Common Vetch R Total number of species 25

8.2

3

8.3 2

1

8.1

1 Fig. 11. Aerial Photograph of Pevensey sailing club survey sites, 8.1 to 8.3. Scale 1:2500.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 80 9.1 Sandcastle Hotel, Pevensey, seaward of Grey Tower Bungalows TQ 6518 0308 Date of visit: 14 May 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.54ha, 78% bare shingle. This site lies to the west of the Pevensey sailing club, and seaward of the Grey Towers cravan park and bungalows. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach circa 1900/1930 and in 1992 the Sovereign Harbour breakwater arm was constructed. In 1993, the concrete wall near the breakwater arm was extended and work began on the northern rock breakwaters. Development of the harbour was part of a larger development of the majority of the shingle foreland, destroying much of the environmental interest that was there and increasing the demand for protection. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. In 2001 a 440m rock revetment was constructed east of Sovereign Harbour to rear of beach and groynes in the area were partially removed. The beach is regularly recharged using dredged shingle and reprofiled under a PFI contract. Damage/disturbance: The site is very compacted and enriched. It is popular with dog walkers. Habitat description: Secondary pioneer community, compacted and enriched but retaining some shingle species including C. maritima and G. flavum. Notable species: G. flavum and C. maritima. Shingle habitat score: -0.3 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 34. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 9.1.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Cardamine sp. Bitter-cress sp. F Centranthus ruber Red Valerian F Eriophila verna Common Whitlow-grass F Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy F Hyacinthoides hispanica Spanish Bluebell F Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain F Senecio vulgaris Groundsel F Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet F Urtica dioica Common Nettle F

Bellis perennis Daisy O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Crambe maritima Sea Kale O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 81 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax O Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss O Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill O Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle O Medicago arabica Spotted Medick O Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop O Sonchus sp. Sowthistle sp. O Taraxacum agg. Dandelions O Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell O Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed R Cerastium semidecandrum Little Mouse-ear R Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle R Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed R Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw R Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil R Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel R Sambucus nigra Elder R Veronica agrestis Green Field-speedwell R Vinca major Greater Periwinkle R Total number of species 35

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 82 9.2 Sandcastle Hotel, Pevensey, caravan park to Courtlands Lodge TQ 6532 0336 Date of visit: 14 May 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 2.8ha, 84% bare shingle. A relatively large site seaward of a static caravan park and a housing development. The site includes a well trodden access path from the Martello Tower and surrounding flats to the beach. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach circa 1900/1930 and in 1992 the Sovereign Harbour breakwater arm was constructed. In 1993, the concrete wall near the breakwater arm was extended and work began on the northern rock breakwaters. Development of the harbour was part of a larger development of the majority of the shingle foreland, destroying much of the environmental interest that was there and increasing the demand for protection. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. In 2001 a 440m rock revetment was constructed east of Sovereign Harbour to rear of beach and groynes in the area were partially removed. The beach is regularly recharged using dredged shingle and reprofiled under a PFI contract. Damage/disturbance: The site is very compacted and enriched and is popular with dog walkers. Proximity to housing has resulted in the spread of garden species onto the beach. Habitat description: Secondary pioneer community, compacted and enriched but retaining some shingle species including S. uniflora and G. flavum. Notable species: S. uniflora, G. flavum, C. maritima and G. robertianum. Shingle habitat score: 0.2 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 35. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 9.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Centranthus ruber Red Valerian D Daucus carota Wild Carrot F Eriophila verna Common Whitlow-grass F Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed F Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not F Silene uniflora Sea Campion F Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell F

Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss O Galium aparine Cleavers O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 83 Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O Medicago arabica Spotted Medick O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Senecio vulgaris Groundsel O Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet O Taraxacum agg. Dandelions O Urtica dioica Common Nettle O Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed R Cerastium semidecandrum Little Mouse-ear R Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle R Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed R Crambe maritima Sea Kale R Epilobium sp. Willowherb sp. R Fuschia sp. Fuschia sp. R Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert R Iris sp. Iris sp. (garden escape) R Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle R Malva sylvestris Common Mallow R Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue R Rosa canina Dog Rose R Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort R Silene latifolia White Campion R Vicia sativa Common Vetch R Total number of species 36

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 84 9.3 Sandcastle Hotel, Pevensey, access path TQ 6528 0360 Date of visit: 14 May 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.29ha, 65% bare shingle. A small linear site comprising the access track to the beach between Grenville Road and Innings Drive. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach circa 1900/1930 and in 1992 the Sovereign Harbour breakwater arm was constructed. In 1993, the concrete wall near the breakwater arm was extended and work began on the northern rock breakwaters. Development of the harbour was part of a larger development of the majority of the shingle foreland, destroying much of the environmental interest that was there and increasing the demand for protection. Between 1995 and 1999 existing groynes between the Redoubt and Langley Point were replaced. In 2001 a 440m rock revetment was constructed east of Sovereign Harbour to rear of beach and groynes in the area were partially removed. The beach is regularly recharged using dredged shingle and reprofiled under a PFI contract. Damage/disturbance: The site is very compacted and enriched and is popular with dog walkers. Proximity to housing has resulted in the spread of garden species. Habitat description: Secondary pioneer community, compacted and enriched but retaining some shingle species including S. uniflora and G. flavum. Notable species: C. maritima and L. vulgaris as it is a known larval food plant of the BAP and RDB3 species C. lunula (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy, 2001). Shingle habitat score: -0.3 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 36. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 9.3.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Centranthus ruber Red Valerian D

Arctium minus Lesser Burdock O Buddleja davidii Butterfly-bush O Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed O Crambe maritima Sea Kale O Daucus carota Wild Carrot O Eriophila verna Common Whitlow-grass O Ilex aquifolium Holly O Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax O Malva sylvestris Common Mallow O Forsythia x. intermedia Forsythia O Symphoricarpus albus Snowberry O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 85 Taraxacum agg. Dandelions O Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard R Cerastium semidecandrum Little Mouse-ear R Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle R Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed R Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss R Erysimum sp. Wallflower sp. R Fuschia sp. Fuschia sp. R Hedera helix Ivy R Tulipa sp. Tulip sp. R Total number of species 24

9.3

9.2

9.1

3

Fig. 12. Aerial Photograph of Sandcastle Hotel survey sites, 9.1 to 9.3. Scale 1:5000.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 86 10.1 Coast Road, Normans’ Bay, seaward of caravan park TQ 6778 0518 Date of visit: 02 June 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 3.51ha, 78% bare shingle. A relatively large site backed by a seawall with houses either side. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s and since 2001 there has been regular recharge and recycling under a PFI agreement. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect the internationally important freshwater site behind. The survey area lies within a SNCI designated for its shingle flora (CR14: Shingle Beach at Normans’ Bay SNCI). Damage/disturbance: Despite the proximity to housing, the encroachment of garden species appeared relatively minor. However, there are some signs of compaction and enrichment and the site is popular with dog walkers. Habitat description: Herb dominated pioneer community, species rich (82 species recorded) including a mixture of shingle, grassland and meadow species. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, G. angusitfolia (UK BAP species), C. maritima and G. flavum. Also, L. vulgaris and L. pupurea are of note as they are known larval food plants of the BAP and RDB3 species C. lunula (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy 2001). Shingle habitat score: 0.5 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 37. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 10.1.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail A Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed A Lepidium draba Hoary Cress A Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue A Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain A Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leafed Dock A Senecio erucifolius Hoary Ragwort A Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet F Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed F Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle F Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot F Galeopsis angustifolia Red Hemp-nettle F Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass F Ranunculus sardous Hairy Buttercup F

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 87 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Rubus caesius Dewberry F Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort F Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot F Urtica dioica Common Nettle F

Achillea millefolium Yarrow O Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort O Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome O Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed O Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel O Galium aparine Cleavers O Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw O Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill O Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog O Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy O Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil O Malva sylvestris Common Mallow O Medicago lupulina Black Medick O Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not O Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain O Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil O Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane O Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup O Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Sinapsis arvensis Charlock O Taraxacum agg. Dandelions O Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil O Trifolium repens White Clover O Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare O Aegopodium podagraria Ground-elder R Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid R Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel R Bellis perennis Daisy R Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed R Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear R Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 88 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Cochlearia danica Danish Scurvygrass R Conium maculatum Hemlock R Coronopus didymus Lesser Swine-cress R Crambe maritima Sea Kale R Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk’s-beard R Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss R Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb R Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony R Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory R Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy R Iris sp. Iris sp. (garden escape) R Juncus influexus Hard Rush R Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit R Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax R Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax R Malva moschata Musk Mallow R Matricaria recutita Scented Mayweed R Menta spicata Spear Mint R Oxalis articulata Pink Sorrel R Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy R Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip R Persicaria maculosa Redshank R Prunella vulgaris Selfheal R Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle R Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles R Rubus laciniatus Cut-leaved Blackberry R Senecio viscosus Sticky Groundsel R Silene latifolia White Campion R Silene dioica Red Campion R Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed R Ulex europaeus Common Gorse R Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell R Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell R Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell R Vicia sativa Common Vetch R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 89 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Total number of species 84

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 90 10.2 Coast Road, Normans’ Bay, Aquarius to Driftwood TQ 6840 0546 Date of visit: 02 June 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 2.10ha, 80% bare shingle. A relatively large site backed by a seawall with houses either side. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s and since 2001 there has been regular recharge and recycling under a PFI agreement. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect the internationally important freshwater site behind. Part of the survey area lies within a SNCI designated for its shingle flora (CR14: Shingle Beach at Normans’ Bay SNCI). Damage/disturbance: Despite the proximity to housing, the encroachment of garden species appeared relatively minor. However, there are some signs of compaction and enrichment and the site is popular with dog walkers. Habitat description: Recharged and compacted herb dominated pioneer community with 62 species recorded, including a mixture of shingle, grassland and meadow species. Notable species: B.vulgaris ssp. maritima, C. maritima, S. uniflora and G. flavum. Shingle habitat score: -0.6 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 38. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 10.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale)

Lepidium draba Hoary Cress A Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain A Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leafed Dock A Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet F Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle F Crambe maritima Sea Kale F Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot F Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil F Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass F Rubus caesius Dewberry F Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort F Silene uniflora Sea Campion F Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot F Urtica dioica Common Nettle F

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 91 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale)

Achillea millefolium Yarrow O Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome O Calystegia silvatica Large Bindweed O Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel O Galium aparine Cleavers O Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw O Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill O Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog O Malva sylvestris Common Mallow O Medicago lupulina Black Medick O Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain O Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane O Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Sinapsis arvensis Charlock O Taraxacum agg. Dandelions O Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil O Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel R Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Bellis perennis Daisy R Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort R Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed R Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury R Cochlearia danica Danish Scurvygrass R Conium maculatum Hemlock R Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk’s-beard R Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss R Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony R Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory R Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy R Juncus influexus Hard Rush R Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit R Linum catharticum Fairy Flax R Matricaria recutita Scented Mayweed R Medicago arabica Spotted Medick R Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 92 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale)

Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy R Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip R Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue R Prunella vulgaris Selfheal R Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup R Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle R Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel R Senecio viscosus Sticky Groundsel R Silene latifolia White Campion R Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle R Trifolium repens White Clover R Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed R Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell R Vicia sativa Common Vetch R Total number of species 64

2

1 10.2

10.1

Fig. 13. Aerial Photograph of Normans’ Bay survey sites, 10.1 and 10.2. Scale 1:5000.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 93 11.1 Pevensey Bay, EA Depot, Herbrand Walk TQ 6950 0602 Date of visit: 16 June 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV. Site Description: Area 0.46ha, 75% bare shingle. A small site comprising a storage area used by the Environment Agency. Adjacent to the road and railway line, the depot is protected by a shingle ridge to the south, a chalk bank to the west and chalk/clay banks to the north and east. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s and since 2001 there has been regular recharge and recycling under a PFI agreement. The depot serves as a storage area for coastal defence works machinery. The adjacent hinterland is designated as the Pevensey Levels Ramsar site and is of international importance for its freshwater habitats. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect this freshwater site. The survey area is surrounded by the Pevensey Levels SSSI. Damage/disturbance: The site has been highly compacted by heavy machinery with a high sand content. Habitat description: Compacted and enriched site with Sonchus sp. dominant and abundant H. lanatus. Some shingle species persist including B. vulgaris ssp. maritima and C. maritima. The site is also a stronghold for Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid and Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle. Notable species: Chenpodium vulvaria (Stinking Goosefoot). Between 1987 and 1999, this species was only recorded in 16 10km2 throughout the UK and has not been recorded at Pevensey since before 1970 (Preston et al, 2002). Also, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, C. maritima, G. flavum and L. vulgaris as it is a known larval food plant of the BAP and RDB3 species C. lunula (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy, 2001). Although not recorded in this survey, the site is known to support a population of the increasingly scarce invertebrate Lampyris noctiluca glow-worm (Ryland, 1999, 2000 & 2001). Shingle habitat score: 0.6 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 39. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 11.1.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Sonchus sp. Sowthistle sp. D Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog A Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John’s-wort F Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain F Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle F

Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid O Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima Sea Beet O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 94 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot O Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel O Euphrasia nemorosa Common Eyebright O Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill O Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw O Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy O Hypericum pulchrum Slender St John’s-wort O Lepidium draba Hoary Cress O Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil O Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil O Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel O Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle O Urtica dioica Common Nettle O Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort R Bellis perennis Daisy R Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort R Carex obtrubae False Fox-sedge R Chenpodium vulvaria Stinking Goosefoot R Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle R Crambe maritima Sea Kale R Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn R Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory R Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy R Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed R Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit R Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy R Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax R Malus sp. Apple sp. R Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not R Oenanthe crocata Hemlock Water-dropwort R Oxalis articulata Pink-sorrel R Papaver somniferum Opium Poppy R Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain R Ranunculus sardous Hairy Buttercup R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 95 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Rumex crispus Curled Dock R Sambucus nigra Elder R Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort R Sinapsis arvensis Charlock R Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet R Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil R Valerianella sp. Cornsalad sp. R Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell R Veronica verna* Spring Speedwell R Total number of species 53 * record awaiting confirmation.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 96 11.2 Pevensey Bay, Herbrand Walk TQ 6987 0612 Date of visit: 16 June 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM, DV. Site Description: Area 3.32ha, 80% bare shingle. A relatively large site adjacent to herbrand Walk. The survey area includes the north facing slope protecting the EA depot (survey site 11.1) and the shingle ridge to the mean high water mark. Towards the eastern end of the site, beach huts have been built on the beach. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s and since 2001 there has been regular recharge and recycling under a PFI agreement. The depot serves as a storage area for coastal defence works machinery. The adjacent hinterland is designated as the Pevensey Levels Ramsar site and is of international importance for its freshwater habitats. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect this freshwater site. Part of the survey area lies within the Pevensey Levels SSSI. A new sea wall was built in 2003 to protect the road, and the crest of the ridge was broadened. Prior to this work, seeds were collected from the area and then re-scattered once the works were complete. Damage/disturbance: Some compaction and disturbance from recent defence works. An access track runs from the top of the ridge, down the bank to the EA depot. This area is particularly disturbed. However, timber groynes have been places around the most densely vegetated areas to protect them from shingle lorries. Habitat description: Disturbed site with abundant R. crispus, L. cornciulatus and T. repens. C. maritima is frequent. Herb dominated pioneer community. Notable species: C. maritima, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, G. flavum, A. tripolium and S. uniflora. It should also be noted that the BAP species G. angustifolia was recorded at this site in 2004 indicating that the area is recovering well after the recent works. Shingle habitat score: 1.8 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 40. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 11.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil A Rumex crispus Curled Dock A Trifolium repens White Clover A Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare A Crambe maritima Sea Kale F Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot F Euphrasia nemorosa Common Eyebright F Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog F Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass F

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 97 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel O Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop O Senecio erucifolius Hoary Ragwort O Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet O Sonchus sp. Sowthistle sp. O Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony R Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel R Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley R Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass R Aster sp. Michaelmas-daisy sp. R Aster tripolium Sea Aster R Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel R Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss R Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling R Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy R Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle R Lysimachia punctata Dotted Loosestrife R Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip R Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed R Plantago maritima Sea Plantain R Prunella vulgaris Selfheal R Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane R Rosa sp. Rose sp. R Sambucus nigra Elder R Silene uniflora Sea Campion R Total number of species 40

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 98 11.3 Pevensey Bay, chalk bank, EA depot TQ 6944 0598 Date of visit: 16 June 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.10ha, 5% bare shingle. This survey are comprises a small chalk bank to the west of the EA depot (site 11.1). Whilst not strictly a shingle habitat, the bank was surveyed because of its proximity to other shingle habitats. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s and since 2001 there has been regular recharge and recycling under a PFI agreement. The depot serves as a storage area for coastal defence works machinery. The adjacent hinterland is designated as the Pevensey Levels Ramsar site and is of international importance for its freshwater habitats. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect this freshwater site. The survey area lies within the Pevensey Levels SSSI. Damage/disturbance: Some compaction and disturbance. Habitat description: Not a typical shingle community but a herb rich calcareous flora. However, some shingle species persist, including S. uniflora and R. crispus (both frequent) indicating the strong maritime influence. Notable species: S. uniflora, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, G. flavum, F. laevis and S. maritimum. Also, L. vulgaris as it is a known larval food plant of the BAP and RDB3 species C. lunula (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999b; Clancy, 2001). Although not recorded in this survey, the chalk bank is known to support a population of the increasingly scarce invertebrate L. noctiluca (Ryland, 1999, 2000 & 2001). Shingle habitat score: 0.4 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 42. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 11.3.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid F Euphrasia nemorosa Common Eyebright F Festuca rubra Red Fescue F Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog F Hypochoeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear F Prunus spinosa Blackthorn F Rumex crispus Curled Dock F Silene uniflora Sea Campion F

Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass O Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 99 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog’s-tail O Galium aparine Cleavers O Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill O Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy O Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy O Linum catharticum Fairy Flax O Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil O Malus sp. Apple sp. O Phleum pratense Timothy O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Achillea millefolium Yarrow R Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony R Carex obtruae False Fox-sedge R Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear R Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn R Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot R Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb R Frankenia laevis Sea Heath R Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John’s-wort R Ligustrum sp. Privet sp. R Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax R Medicago lupulina Black Medick R Oenanthe crocata Hemlock Water-dropwort R Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip R Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed R Prunella vulgaris Selfheal R Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane R Rosa canina Dog Rose R Sambucus nigra Elder R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 100 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop R Seriphidium maritimum Sea Wormwood R Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet R Taraxacum agg. Dandelions R Trifolium pratense Red Clover R Urtica dioica Common Nettle R Valerianella sp. Cornsalad sp. R Total number of species 54

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 101 11.4 Pevensey Bay, Herbrand Walk sluice TQ 6941 0595 Date of visit: 16 June 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.40ha, 40% bare shingle. This survey area, adjacent to the railway line, encompasses a small area of shingle with a sluice. There is therefore quite a high silt content, and both fresh and saltwater influences. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s and since 2001 there has been regular recharge and recycling under a PFI agreement. The depot serves as a storage area for coastal defence works machinery. The adjacent hinterland is designated as the Pevensey Levels Ramsar site and is of international importance for its freshwater habitats. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect this freshwater site. The survey area lies within the Pevensey Levels SSSI. Damage/disturbance: Some compaction and disturbance. Habitat description: Compacted site with some saltmarsh influence. S. uniflora, L. corniculatus and H. pulchrum frequent. Notable species: S. uniflora, F. laevis and Salicornia agg. Shingle habitat score: 0.6 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 43. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 11.4.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Hypericum pulchrum Slender St John’s-wort F Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil F Silene uniflora Sea Campion F

Anthemis cotula Stinking Chamomile R Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort R Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury R Frankenia laevis Sea Heath R Linum catharticum Fairy Flax R Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not R Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue R Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain R Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil R Prunella vulgaris Selfheal R Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup R

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 102 Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel R Salicornia agg. Glassworts R Silene latifolia White Campion R Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle R Trifolium repens White Clover R Total number of species 20

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 103 11.5 Pevensey Bay, landward of Herbrand Walk TQ 6967 0608 Date of visit: 16 June 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.62ha, 40% bare shingle. This polygon of shingle is bordered by the railway line to the north and the road to the south. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s and since 2001 there has been regular recharge and recycling under a PFI agreement. The depot serves as a storage area for coastal defence works machinery. The adjacent hinterland is designated as the Pevensey Levels Ramsar site and is of international importance for its freshwater habitats. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect this freshwater site. Part of the survey area lies within the Pevensey Levels SSSI. Damage/disturbance: A considerable amount of material has been dumped on the site, and it is compacted and highly enriched. Habitat description: Herb rich grassland, highly enriched and degraded as indicated by abundant U. dioica, grassland species and high diversity (80 species recorded). However, the maritime influence is still apparent from the record of frequent T. maritimum, R. crispus and E. vulgare. Notable species: B. vulgaris spp. maritima. Shingle habitat score: -0.8 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 44. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 11.5.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy A Daucus carota Wild Carrot A Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog A Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass A Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle A Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed A Urtica dioica Common Nettle A Achillea millefolium Yarrow F Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome F Calystegia silvatica Large Bindweed F Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed F Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot F Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel F Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss F Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail F

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 104 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Galium aparine Cleavers F Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed F Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit F Lepidium draba Hoary Cress F Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy F Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil F Matricaria recutita Scented Mayweed F Medicago arabica Spotted Medick F Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane F Rumex crispus Curled Dock F Silene latifolia White Campion F Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil F Trifolium repens White Clover F

Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort O Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed O Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Cochlearia danica Danish Scurvygrass O Coronopus didymus Lesser Swine-cress O Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk’s-beard O Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb O Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony O Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory O Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw O Juncus influexus Hard Rush O Malva moschata Musk Mallow O Malva sylvestris Common Mallow O Medicago lupulina Black Medick O Menta spicata Spear Mint O Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip O Persicaria maculosa Redshank O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 105 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil O Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup O Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leafed Dock O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Senecio erucifolius Hoary Ragwort O Senecio viscosus Sticky Groundsel O Sinapsis arvensis Charlock O Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot O Ulex europaeus Common Gorse O Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell O Vicia tetrasperma Smooth Tare O Aegopodium podagraria Ground-elder R Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid R Bellis perennis Daisy R Conium maculatum Hemlock R Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill R Iris sp. Iris sp. R Oxalis articulata Pink-sorrel R Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy R Prunella vulgaris Selfheal R Ranunculus sardous Hairy Buttercup R Rubus caesius Dewberry R Rubus laciniatus Cut-leaved Blackberry R Silene dioica Red Campion R Taraxacum agg. Dandelions R Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell R Vicia sativa Common Vetch R Total number of species 80

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 106 11.6 Pevensey Bay, east of sluice TQ 6925 0592 Date of visit: 16 June 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 1.71ha, 50% bare shingle. This survey site comprises a grassy sward at the base of the shingle slope, bordered to the north by the railiway line. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s and since 2001 there has been regular recharge and recycling under a PFI agreement. The depot serves as a storage area for coastal defence works machinery. The adjacent hinterland is designated as the Pevensey Levels Ramsar site and is of international importance for its freshwater habitats. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect this freshwater site. The majority of the survey site lies within the Pevensey Levels SSSI. Damage/disturbance: Despite some compaction and disturbance from coastal defence works and the railway line, the site is relatively undisturbed. Habitat description: A. elatius grassland with T. scorodonia dominant. The site shows some similarities to a Dungeness A2 calcifuge grassland community (Ferry et al, 1990). Notable species: T. scorodonia. The presence of this species is an indicator of the historical interest of the site prior to development. The species is recognised as an indicator of ancient shingle ridges, e.g. at Dungeness (Ferry et al, 1990). Although not recorded in this survey, the site is known to support a population of the increasingly scarce invertebrate L. noctiluca (Ryland, 1999, 2000 & 2001). Shingle habitat score: 1.2 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: Poor Group 3. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 45. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 11.6.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage D Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass A

Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss F Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil F Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel O Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Daucus carota Wild Carrot O Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel O Petasites fragrans Winter Heliotrope O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 107 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Prunus spinosa Blackthorn O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet O Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort R Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort R Bellis perennis Daisy R Carduus crispus Welted thistle R Carlina vulgaris Carline thistle R Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury R Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog’s-tail R Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot R Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid R Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail R Festuca rubra Red Fescue R Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog R Silene dioica Red Campion R Sison amomum Stone Parsley R Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade R Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort R Tragopogon pratensis Goat’s-beard R Trifolium pratense Red Clover R Trifolium repens White Clover R Ulex europaeus Common Gorse R Total number of species 36

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 108 11.7 Pevensey Bay, shingle ridge east of EA depot TQ 6930 0588 Date of visit: 16 June 2003. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 1.49ha, 80% bare shingle. This survey site comprises the top of the shingle ridge and the landward slope that abuts site 11.6. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s and since 2001 there has been regular recharge and recycling under a PFI agreement. The depot serves as a storage area for coastal defence works machinery. The adjacent hinterland is designated as the Pevensey Levels Ramsar site and is of international importance for its freshwater habitats. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect this freshwater site. The majority of the survey site lies within the Pevensey Levels SSSI. Old groyne timbers has been placed near the top of the ridge to prevent vehicles from damaging the vegetation. Damage/disturbance: Some compaction and disturbance from coastal defence works. Habitat description: Secondary pioneer community with abundant R. crispus and frequent C. maritima. However, the habitat does not fit any of the defined communities. Notable species: C. maritima, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, G. flavum, A. tripolium and S. uniflora. Shingle habitat score: 1.8 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 46. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 11.7.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil A Rumex crispus Curled Dock A Trifolium repens White Clover A Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare A Crambe maritima Sea Kale F Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot F Euphrasia nemorosa Common Eyebright F Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog F Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass F

Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 109 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil O Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles O Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel O Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop O Senecio erucifolius Hoary Ragwort O Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet O Sonchus sp. Sowthistle sp. O Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony R Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel R Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley R Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass R Aster tripolium Sea Aster R Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel R Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss R Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling R Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy R Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle R Lysimachia punctata Dotted Loosestrife R Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip R Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed R Plantago maritima Sea Plantain R Prunella vulgaris Selfheal R Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane R Rosa canina Dog Rose R Sambucus nigra Elder R Silene uniflora Sea Campion R Total number of species 39

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 110

11.5

11.1 11.3 11.2 11.4 11.2

11.6

11.2

11.7

Fig. 14. Aerial Photograph of Pevensey Bay survey sites, 11.1 to 11.7. Scale 1:6500.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 111 12.1 Cooden Beach, Herbrand Walk TQ 7080 0640 Date of visit: 18 May 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 1.55ha, 95% bare shingle. A narrow linear site running along the top of the shingle ridge to the houses behind. There is easy pedestrian access to the beach from the road. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s. The adjacent hinterland is designated as the Pevensey Levels Ramsar site and is of international importance for its freshwater habitats. The primary reason for maintaining the beach is to protect this freshwater site. Houses have been built on to the beach. Damage/disturbance: There is a high degree of enrichment from the housing developments. Many residents tip garden waste directly onto the shingle and/or burn waste on the beach. Habitat description: Remnant pioneer community with frequent B. vulgaris ssp. maritima being overtaken by human domestic activity. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima, C. marinum, L. arborea, C. maritima, A. maritima, C. maritimum and G. flavum. Shingle habitat score: 0.2 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 47. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 12.1.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Lepidium draba Hoary Cress A Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain F Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet F Sonchus sp. Sowthistle sp. F Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle F Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle F

Galium aparine Cleavers O Catapodium marinum Sea Fern-grass O Lavatera arborea Tree-mallow O Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass O Medicago arabica Spotted Medick O Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue O Senecio cineraria Silver Ragwort O Crambe maritima Sea Kale O Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 112 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Armeria maritima Thrift O Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil R Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles R Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup R Hypochoeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear R Stellaria media Common Chickweed R Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil R Bellis perennis Daisy R Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy R Taraxacum agg. Dandelions R Rumex crispus Curled Dock R Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane R Senecio vulgaris Groundsel R Medicago lupulina Black Medick R Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear R Atropa belladonna Deadly Nightshade R Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain R Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle R Centranthus ruber Red Valerian R Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire R Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell R Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop R Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle R Salix caprea Goat Willow R Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy R Total number of species 41

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 113 12.2 Cooden Beach, Cooden Drive TQ 7110 0646 Date of visit: 18 May 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.24ha, 95% bare shingle. A small site running along the top of the shingle ridge to the houses behind. There is easy pedestrian access to the beach from the road. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s. Houses have been built on to the beach. Damage/disturbance: There is a high degree of enrichment from the housing developments. Many residents tip garden waste directly onto the shingle and/or burn waste on the beach. Habitat description: Remnant pioneer community being overtaken by human domestic activity. Notable species: B. vulgaris ssp. maritima and G. flavum. Shingle habitat score: 0.6 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 48. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 12.2.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Lepidium draba Hoary Cress F Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue F Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle F Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb F

Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain O Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet O Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle O Veronica polita Grey Field-speedwell O Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy O Taraxacum agg. Dandelions R Medicago arabica Spotted Medick R Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop R Total number of species 14

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 114 12.3 Cooden Beach, Beaulieu Road TQ 7155 0656 Date of visit: 18 May 2004. Surveyors: TY, JS, WM, PD, JM. Site Description: Area 0.41ha, 75% bare shingle. A small site comprising a narrow fringing beach below low lying chalk cliffs. Management history: Timber groynes were constructed to retain the beach in the early 1900s. The site lies within the Cooden Cliffs SNCI. Damage/disturbance: The site is popular with dog walkers and there is some evidence of rabbit grazing. Habitat description: Remnant pioneer community with abundant C. maritima and B. vulgaris ssp. maritima frequent. Notable species: C. maritima, L. arborea and B. vulgaris ssp. maritima. Shingle habitat score: -0.4 Community type: a) Shingle community: No fit. b) Broad shingle community: No fit. c) NVC: No fit. d) Habitats Directive Annex I: No fit.

Table 49. Vascular plant list and abundance for survey site 12.3.

Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Lepidium draba Hoary Cress A Crambe maritima Sea Kale A Lavatera arborea Tree-mallow F Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain F Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet F Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle F Vicia sativa Common Vetch F

Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil O Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome O Galium aparine Cleavers O Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill O Rumex crispus Curled Dock O Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue O Plantago media Hoary Plantain O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain O Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort O Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle O Hordeum murinum Wall Barley O

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 115 Abundance Species Common Name (DAFOR scale) Malus sp. Apple sp. R Prunus spinosa Blackthorn R Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles R Arctium minus Lesser Burdock R Daucus carota Wild Carrot R Hypochoeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear R Bellis perennis Daisy R Taraxacum agg. Dandelions R Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane R Crepis vesicaria Beaked Hawk’s-beard R Hedera helix Ivy R Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache R Sagina sp. Pearlwort sp. R Centranthus ruber Red Valerian R Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop R Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison R Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare R Vicia tetrasperma Smooth Tare R Total number of species 36

12.3

12.2 12.1

Fig. 15. Aerial Photograph of Cooden Beach survey sites, 12.1 to 12.3. Scale 1:6500.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 116 Distribution of key species Eleven species were chosen as being indicative of shingle sites, and their distribution within the survey area was mapped. The species were C. maritima (Fig. 16), A. prostrata (Fig. 17), G. flavum (Fig. 18), G. angustifolia (Fig. 19), S. uniflora (Fig. 20), G. robertianum (Fig. 21), B. vulgaris ssp. maritima (Fig. 22), S. acre (Fig. 23), S. anglicum (Fig. 24), C. maritimum (Fig. 25) and T. scorodonia (Fig. 26).

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 117 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 118 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 119 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 120 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 121 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 122 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 123 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 124 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 125 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 126 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 127 Techniques for assessing shingle communities 128 Relative value of sites The species shown in Table 2 was used to calculate a score for each survey site. Individual shingle habitat scores have been included in the site summaries and are illustrated below in Fig. 27. Fig 28 shows the number of notable species recorded at each site. 2.50

2.00 1.3 1.2 1.4 11.2 11.7

1.50 8.2 11.6 1.1 1.00 3.7 3.4 3.5 4.2 7.2 e 5.4 8.3 11.1 11.4 12.2 r

o 6.1 10.1 c

s 3.6 11.3

0.50 t

a 3.3 5.2 7.3 9.2 12.1 bit 2.1 2.2 3.2 2.3 e ha 0.00 ingl

h

S 8.1 9.1 9.3 -0.50 6.2 12.3

10.2 5.3 4.1 7.1 11.5 -1.00 3.1 5.5

-1.50 5.1

-2.00 Survey site

Fig. 27. Bar chart to illustrate variation in the relative shingle habitat scores.

9

1.1 4.1 8

3.3 3.7 12.1 7

5.2 8.1 6 s e i c

e 3.4 3.5 5.3 8.2 11.211.3 11.7 p s 5

e abl not 7.2 9.2 10.110.211.1

of 4

ber

Num 1.2 1.3 1.4 3.1 3.1 3.6 5.1 5.4 6.1 11.4 12.3 3

8.3 9.1 12.2 2

2.1 2.2 2.3 4.2 6.2 7.3 9.3 11.511.6 1

5.5 7.1 0 Survey site

Fig. 28. Bar chart to show the number of notable species recorded at each survey site.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 129 Discussion One of the principle aims of the BAR Project is to ascertain those beaches at greatest risk of erosion, and the implications for nature conservation. However, in terms of biodiversity, risk cannot be ascertained until the level of interest is understood. For example, one beach may be at significant risk of erosion, but if it is a beach where there is low wildlife interest, the risk to biodiversity will be minimal. In contrast, another beach could be at a relatively lower level of risk of erosion, but if there is significant wildlife interest there, the risk to biodiversity could be higher. There is also a need to ascertain whether habitats are under any additional pressures which could compound the impacts of climate change. For example, if the beach is confined by a hard structure such as a sea wall, the risk would increase as there would be no potential for the beach, and therefore the wildlife interest, to respond to rising sea levels by migrating landwards. The subsequent loss of wildlife habitat is known as “coastal squeeze”, a phenomenon that is identified as one of the major threats to coastal habitats. Shingle features are rarely stable in the long term and ridges lying parallel to the shoreline tend to be rolled over landwards by wave action in storm events. Such movement is likely to be accelerated by rising sea levels and increased storminess (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999a). “Shingle squeeze” is a particular form of coastal squeeze affecting coastal vegetated shingle and is a combination of direct habitat loss from e.g. development or aggregate extraction combined with sea level rise (Doody, 2001 & 2003). In areas where sediment availability is reduced, such as the BAR region, the squeeze includes a steepening beach profile and a foreshortening of the seaward zones (Living with the Sea, 2003).

Baseline information of the wildlife interest of shingle accumulations is sporadic within the BAR Region and tends to be concentrated on sites that already receive some protection through designation, either statutory (SSSI, SAC or Special Protection Area (SPA)) or non- statutory (SNCI), or those that are subject to specific applications. For example, Dungeness, which is designated as a SSSI, a candidate SAC for both its annual and perennial shingle vegetation, and an SPA, was subject to a comprehensive survey of its vegetation to allow for the effective development of conservation and development policies (Ferry et al, 1990). Various sites within Pevensey Bay were surveyed in 1999, and then again in 2000 and 2001 as part of a biological monitoring exercise associated with a long term sea defence scheme (Ryland, 1999, 2000 & 2001). A survey of vegetated shingle in East and West Sussex (Ryland, 1993; Williams and Cooke, 1993), principally to inform the National Rivers Authority (now the Environment Agency) on areas to avoid when carrying out emergency sea defence works following winter storms, concentrated on surveying non-statutory and non-designated shingle sites. However, only those sites which showed some “significant interest”, the baseline for which was the presence of a recognisable pioneer community, were covered.

The majority of the East Sussex coastline that supports vegetated shingle is designated at either local, national or sometimes international level. However, one of the problems with limiting surveys to those areas which already receive some protection, or which contain certain pre-defined communities, is that it does not recognise the potential of other areas. The current study surveyed the majority of shingle sites in East Sussex (excluding Rye Bay which was subject to a separate survey) that supported any vegetation, and was not limited to those which contained certain species. It has therefore provided a baseline from which to monitor future change and has highlighted the areas that currently receive no formal protection but that could benefit from sympathetic management. For example, Cooden Beach (particularly site 12.1), is not designated and therefore receives no protection other than that granted through the general targets within the relevant national and local BAPs (UK Biodiversity Group, 1999a; Sussex Biodiversity Partnership, 1999), and was not covered by any of the previous surveys (Sneddon & Randall, 1993; Ryland, 1993; Williams & Cooke, 1993). However, the current survey demonstrated the presence of a remnant pioneer community with frequent B. vulgaris ssp. maritima and the presence of several other coastal

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 130 species including C. maritima, A. maritima, R. crispus, C. maritimum and G. flavum. The current survey also demonstrated that the community is being overtaken by human activity leading to the establishment of species adapted to rich soils indicating enrichment of the substrate (e.g. Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy)), and garden escapes (e.g. Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)). Much of this sort of damage is brought about through public pressure and is largely a result of a lack of appreciation for the habitat. Such areas could potentially be restored through sympathetic management and an increased public awareness of the importance of the habitat.

One of the advantages of the current study was that it utilised volunteers. All of the volunteers involved were from the local community and many live in houses built on or close to the beach. Although they had some appreciation for their local environment, they were largely unaware of its environmental significance. Their involvement in the project provided a unique opportunity to educate them in the importance of coastal habitats generally and vegetated shingle in particular and also threats to the habitat. The regular presence of surveyors on the beach generated further interest in the project and proved to be a valuable way of raising awareness about the project.

Shingle communities Many of the areas surveyed throught the current study did not fit any pre-defined community (Sneddon & Randall, 1993; Williams & Cooke, 1993; Rodwell, 2000; European Commission, 2003). Indeed, of the 44 sites surveyed, none could be confidently matched to any of Sneddon and Randall’s shingle NVC communities, although 15 showed some similarities. Nine surveyed sites were matched to Rodwell’s NVC communities (mostly SD1), with a further 11 showing some similarities to a range of NVC community types. This higher degree of confidence could be attributed to the fact that SD1 is a fairly broad community type with a relatively large number of associates as well as the constants of R. crispus and G. flavum. In contrast, only seven sites could be assigned to Williams and Cooke’s community types, four of these being poor matches.

In the majority of cases, those sites that showed no match to, or only some similarities with, pre-defined communities showed signs of compaction, disturbance and or enrichment, mostly as a result of management practices. Ferry (2001) reports that in addition to the essentially natural, more-or-less undisturbed shingle communities, there is a whole spectrum of communities associated with varying degrees of disturbance, some of which are detailed in Ferry et al (1990), but some of which remain to be properly described. However, highly constant species of the whole range of these disturbed shingle communties are Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Senecio jacobaea (Ragwort), Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) and Poa compressa (Flattened Meadow-grass) (Ferry, 2001). Whilst P. compressa was not recorded on any site during the current study, P. lanceolata was recorded from 30 out of the 44 sites surveyed, S. jacobaea from 23 and F. rubra from 10. Furthermore, it has been noted that large populations of G. flavum and Echium vulgare (Viper’s-bugloss) are confined to disturbed shingle at Dungeness (Doody, 2001). In the current study, these species were recorded from 25 and 20 sites respectively, indicating the high level of disturbance to shingle beaches along the East Sussex coast.

The community definitions described above were derived from surveys of the best examples of vegetated shingle around the UK. Sneddon and Randall (1993) used the presence of permanent flora above the strandline as a prerequisite for the selection of sites, and subsequently surveyed around 60 sites around the UK, derived from habitat maps, information from regional Nature Conservancy Council staff (responsible for SSSIs) and published sources (excluding Dungeness as this was subject to a separate survey (Ferry et al, 1990)). By definition, the survey would therefore have excluded ephemeral strandline

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 131 communities which are known to be of significant ecological interest, being listed on Annex I of the Habitats Directive (European Community, 1992) as H1210 Annual vegetation of driftlines. Rodwell’s surveys (2000) were not confined to renowned or especially rich or diverse sites as the aim was to achieve a representative cover of sites. However, Rodwell states that “…coverage of the vegetation of shingle features around the British coast was less adequate…” than the coverage of other coastal habitats and excluded those sites covered by Sneddon and Randall (1993) and Ferry et al (1990), concluding that it was probable at least one further community could be added to the account from those surveys (Rodwell, 2000).

In contrast, although the current study included sites designated for their vegetated shingle (Fig. 29), it also included coverage of other areas not considered worthy of designation. Many of these sites e.g. Seaford Bay (sites 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3) have been extensively influenced by activities including development, coastal defence works and public pressure. It is therefore difficult to draw comparisons between these degraded sites and those used to define standard shingle communities.

Another problem with comparing the results collected in the current study with previously defined community types is that previous studies surveyed sites from a wide geographic area with differing conditions. For example, Rodwell (2000) states that the strandline community SD2 is most prominent along the warmer southern coasts of the UK, being replaced by SD3 in northern Britain. Sneddon and Randall (1993) also note the problems associated with the inherent variability in communities across a wide spatial area, and several of the communities defined through their study were noted as having a southern distribution, e.g. SH122 Prunus spinosa – Eurynchium praelongum community, SH23 Tripleurospermum maritimum – Silene maritima – Euphorbia paralias community, SH19 Senecio viscosus – Rumex crispus community, and SH6a Silene maritima dominated pioneer community, Glaucium flavum sub-community, with several communities being specific to particular sites.

Previous surveys have defined shingle communities by sampling quadrats and then using TWINSPAN analysis, a system that uses reciprocal averaging to define axes of dissimilarity within data sets (Causton, 1988), to identify typical community types (Ferry et al, 1990; Williams & Cooke, 1993; Sneddon & Randall, 1993; Rodwell, 2000). There are two major flaws with such an approach. The first is that it is time consuming and requires a great deal of expertise. The second is that shingle communities are not uniform and can be looked at at different scales of detail. Vegetation often occurs in patches, due to natural or manmade influences, and the process of chosing patches to survey is therefore subjective. Sneddon & Randall (1993) firstly surveyed sites by eye to identify homogenous stands of vegetation that could be used as mappable units. However, as one of the objectives of the current study was to undertake a baseline ecological survey of the main areas of vegetated shingle in East Sussex, sites were generally defined by easily recognisable landmarks rather than boundaries between community types, the only prerequisite for survey being the presence of vegetation.

Relative value of sites Previous studies have attempted to rank sites according to quality. For example, Williams and Cooke (1993) used four criteria to assess the relative value of non-SSSI sites within their survey area. The criteria were 1) the number of species recorded, 2) the area of vegetated shingle, 3) the number of community types present, and 4) rare plant records. It was decided that such a system of evaluation was unsuitable for the current study for several reasons. Williams and Cooke (1993) allocated a higher relative score to those areas with high numbers of species recorded. However, in the majority of the sites surveyed in the current

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 132 study, a large number of species was generally a negative factor indicating enrichment (e.g. sites 4.1 and 5.1). The second criteria was also unsuitable for the current study as the areas surveyed varied considerably from 0.08 ha to 6.15 ha. This variation in size was not necessarily a reflection of the area of vegetation, but rather was a reflection of an easily definable and mappable area. Whilst it was clear that some of the sites surveyed in the current study included more than one community type, and could have been subdivided, e.g. sites 2.2 and 3.7, for the purpose of establishing a baseline of shingle vegetation and to make things as simple as possible from the purpose of explaining the process to volunteers without any expertise in recognising communities, each survey site was treated as one community. Finally, the list of rare plants used by Williams and Cooke (1993) was extremely narrow and excluded several rare species including Chenpodium vulvaria (Stinking Goosefoot (VU)), Frankenia laevis (Sea Heath (NS)) and Galeopsis angustifolia (Red Hemp- nettle (NS)). For the present study, three techniques were used to assess the relative value of sites; presence of notable species, shingle habitat score and distribution of key species.

Table 4 details the notable species chosen for the present study, comprising those meeting IUCN or national criteria for rarity and those being predominantly confined to coastal habitats, particularly shingle beaches. Of the 44 sites surveyed, only two had no notable species recorded (Fig. 28). The first of these sites (site 5.5, Eastbourne seafront, pier to the Redoubt) was a long, narrow, linear site, close to Eastbourne town centre, and was described as being heavily disturbed and significantly enriched, with vegetation being confined to clumps against the sea wall. Despite this, R. crispus was recorded as Frequent. Preston et al (2002) describe the species as characteristic of shingle beaches, sandy and rocky shores, banks by the sea, sand dunes and the upper parts of saltmarshes, being most frequent in strandline communities on shingle. The other site with no notable species was site 7.1, an access track between the Bay View caravan park and some beach houses in Pevensey, was also described as compacted and enriched. Again, however, R. crispus was recorded as Freqent, and the site included other species characteristic of shingle beaches and/or other coastal habitats, specifically E. vulgare, P. lanceolata and Sedum acre (Biting Stonecrop). The widespread distribution of notable species across the survey sites, including those deemed to be of no interest in previous surveys, offers an indication of the persistence of shingle species along the coast in spite of heavy disturbance and suggests the potential for habitat restoration given sympathetic management.

Many areas supported species characteristic of coastal shingle but with associates that were not found in previous surveys. For example, site 7.3 (Pevensey) supported E. vulgare (Viper’s-bugloss), Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), B. vulgaris ssp. maritima and Pilosella officinarum (Mouse-ear-hawkweed), all of which illustrate the shingle communities that were present on the Crumbles prior to development. However, major development landward of the site and associated coastal defence works have led to extensive damage and disturbance through removal of the surface layer of shingle (and the subsequent loss of a considerable quantity of the local seed source), addition of fine material within the shingle matrix, compaction of the shingle, and enrichment through close proximity to houses. Cytisus scoparius (Broom) was also recorded on this site. Although widespread, there is a subspecies maritimum that is native to coastal areas, particularly maritime cliffs and sometimes shingle (Stace, 1999; Preston et al, 2002). However, in this case, it was not clear whether this was the subspecies and it may have been planted. C. scoparius is seen as a major contributor to humus production and subsequently to the development of shingle heath (Ferry, 2001). In an experiment in restoration, locally sourced C. scoparius seeds have been sown on areas of bare shingle at Dungeness damaged during World War II, with an aim to drive further Broom colonisation, hopefully resulting in the establishment of other successional vegetation (Doody, 2003; B. Banks, pers. comm.).

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 133 The second technique used to assess relative value was to calculate a shingle habitat score for each site using the presence of a series of positive and negative indicator species (Table 2). Calculated scores ranged from a maximum of 1.9 (site 1.3, Tide Mills) to a minimum of - 1.4 (site 5.1, Eastbourne seafront), as illustrated in Fig. 27, with an average score of 0.3. Site 5.1 was a very small site (0.1 ha) adjacent to the sea wall. But with a high number of species recorded indicating enrichment due to the proximity to local houses, cafés and access points. Also, as the beach was relatively narrow with the sea sometimes washing right up to the sea wall, all the vegetation was concentrated in clumps against the wall. The low shingle habitat score was due to only two positive indicator species being present (C. maritima and L. vulgairs) and two negative indicators (C.ruber recorded as Abundant, and C. tomentosum). Both these negative indicators are garden escapes, known to out-compete native shingle flora. As such, they are being actively controlled in some areas (B. Yates, pers. comm.). Site 1.3 was a much larger site (6.15 ha) receiving a level of protection through its designation as a SNCI. The site included seven positive indicator species, with C. maritima being Dominant.

In total, 13 of the 44 sites surveyed achieved a negative shingle habitat score (Fig. 27), one of which is discussed above. Of the remaining 12, eight were less than 1 ha in size and nine have recently been subject to major coastal defence works. With the exception of one site (site 8.1; see discussion below), all were described as being heavily compacted, trampled and/or enriched. The negative habitat score achieved by site 8.1 (Pevensey Sailing Club west) was slightly surprising given that it included five positive indicator species (T. scorodonia was recorded as Dominant) and it was described as being relatively undisturbed and indeed comprises one of the last undeveloped remnants of the Crumbles. However, it is noted that the survey area included an access track to the Sailing Club along which were some more ruderal species. The negative score can therefore be attributed to the presence of two negative indicator species; C. ruber and C. tomentosum.

Mapping the distribution of key species gives an indication of where the most important areas for vegetated shingle are and therefore those that would benefit from sympathetic management as they indicate that conditions are suitable for those species to survive. Shingle species demonstrate a range of adaptations to the nutrient poor environmental conditions found on coastal shingle and are quickly crowded out by non-specialists where conditions move away from this narrow range.

Williams & Cooke (1993), in their survey of vegetated shingle sites of East and West Sussex, used the presence of a recognisable pioneer community, generally characterised by C. maritima and G. flavum, as the baseline for significant interest. Results from the current study show that both species had a wide distribution along the East Sussex coast, being recorded from approximately half of the sites surveyed (Figs 16 and 18). In considering the geographic distribution, C. maritima was found in all areas with the exception of Seaford Bay (sites 2.1 to 2.3) and Eastbourne sailing club (sites 6.1 and 6.2). Similarly, the only geographic area from which G. flavum was completely absent was Seaford Bay. Seaford Bay has been extensively disrupted as a result of coastal defence activities. The beach was artificially recharged in the 1980s and is now regularly recycled and reprofiled by the Environment Agency. Such a high level of disturbance makes it difficult for any species to establish, as demonstrated by the small number of species recorded from site 2.1, the only Seaford Bay site wholly within the recharge and recycled area, and the absence of any species above 25% cover (Table 7). Indeed, two of the species recorded as Occasional, the highest level of abundance within this site, Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) and Tripleurospermum inodroum (Scentless Mayweed), are described as occurring on rough and disturbed or waste places (Stace, 1999), indicating the high level of disturbance and probably also the high sand content resulting from the coastal defence works.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 134 The Nationally Scarce UK BAP species Galeopsis angustifolia Red Hemp-nettle was recorded from only one site (10.1 Normans’ Bay), although it was also observed by the author within site 11.2 (Pevensey Bay) in 2004. G. angustifolia is a species of arable land, found mostly on calcareous soils, although it also occurs on coastal sands and shingle in the southern counties of England and Wales (UK Biodiversity Group, 1998). Indeed, the most recent records from East and West Sussex are from coastal sites (Briggs, 2001). Outside the UK it is found in western, central and southern Europe, eastwards to Poland and Bulgaria, The species has been steadily declining in England and north west Europe; it was recorded from 428 10 km squares in Great Britain prior to 1970, but only in 91 between 1987 to 1999 (Preston et al, 2002) and is now regarded as rare in north west Europe (UK Biodiversity Group, 1998). G. angustifolia is a late-flowering plant, and its decline is largely attributed to a change from spring to winter sown crops having a negative impact on its arable population (Preston et al, 2003). Within the survey area, in addition to the record collected during this survey and the additional observation reported above, the species is known to be locally common within Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (Briggs, 2001), and locally frequent at several locations within Pevensey Bay (Ryland, 1999, 2000 & 2001). It is interesting to note that the 2004 observation was recorded from an area that was cleared for coastal defence works, and re-seeded using local seed by the author after completion of the works, indicating that the species is amenable to restoration. Given the rapid rate of decline within the plant’s arable range, every care should be taken to protect the species in its coastal habitat.

One additional species that is of particular note is Chenpodium vulvaria, recorded as Rare from site 11.1 (Pevensey Bay). Preston et al (2003) describe the species as being a foetid, often prostrate annual of disturbed, nutrient rich soil on sandy shingle beaches, sand dunes and coastal cliffs, where the soil is enriched by the droppings of sea birds, and formerly a ruderal species of places enriched with animal dung. Its distribution declined dramatically before 1930, possibly as a result of a change from the use of horses to tractors in agricultural practices and a decline in the use of dung as a fertiliser. By 1930, its distribution was virtually confined to coastal habitats and even in these locations it has continued to decline for reasons which are unclear (Preston et al, 2003). In the period between 1987 and 1999, it was only recorded in 16 10 km squares in the UK, and it was not recorded within the UK BAR Region during this period at all. Indeed, the current record is the first since pre 1970 records. The area from which it was recorded in the present study was within an area used for storage by the Environment Agency and adjacent to a railway line. The site has therefore been severely compacted and subject to high levels of enrichment.

The above described techniques of assessing the relative value of the vegetated shingle surveyed are not definitive, but do provide a good indication of those sites of interest. From further analysis of the results and a combination of these techniques, it should be possible to rank the areas survyed in terms of biodiversity value, and therefore to ascertain those which would merit protection.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 135 Outlook for Phase 2 of BAR The current study demonstrated that the relatively simple method of recording vascular plants and their abundance can provide a useful tool for assessing the distribution and relative quality of vegetated shingle. It is hoped that combining survey results such as those compiled during this study with hazard maps of erosion risk derived from geomorphological studies, will provide a valuable tool in determining sustainable coastal management practices. The technique will be expanded to the remaining areas of the BAR Region to obtain a comprehensive baseline of ecological information for the vegetated shingle of the English and French eastern Channel coasts. The technique for assessing the relative value of sites will be further developed and its robustness will be tested by trialling it in England and France.

The survey has generated a great deal of interest in coastal biodiversity and in the BAR Project generally. It has also demonstrated that volunteers, whilst often amateur botanists, can provide meaningful data that will be valuable to coastal managers. It is hoped that the volunteer base will be expanded in Phase 2 of the Project, with training in basic plant identification and recording techniques being provided. Such training programmes will help to raise awareness of the habitat and further promote its protection.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 136 References Bratton, J. (Ed.) 1991. British Red Data Books 3: Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

Briggs, M. (Ed.). 2001. The Sussex Rare Plant Register of Scarce and Threatened Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, Charophytes and Lichens. Henfield, Sussex Wildlife Trust. 127 pp.

Causton, D. R. 1988. Introduction to vegetation analysis. London, Unwin Hyman Ltd.

Clancy, S.P. 2001. A survey of the larvae of the toadflax brocade moth (Calophasia lunula Hufn.) in 2001 at Pevensey Bay, East Sussex. Pevensey Coastal Defence Ltd.

Clark, L. and Finch, M. 1996a. Rother District SNCI Survey. Sussex Wildlife Trust. Unpublished Report.

Clark, L. and Finch, M. 1996b. Wealden District SNCI Project. Sussex Wildlife Trust. Unpublished Report.

Countryside and Rights of Way Act. 2000. HMSO.

Department of Environment. 1994. Biodiversity: the UK Action Plan. London, HMSO. 188 pp.

Doody, J. P. 2001. Perspective: The Importance of Conserving Coastal Shingle in Europe. In: Ecology and Geomorphology of Coastal Shingle. Eds. Packham, J.R., Randall, R.E., Barnes, R.S.K. and Neal, A. Westbury Academic and Scientific Publishing. pp. 421-440.

Doody. J. P. 2003. Guidance for the Management of Coastal Vegetated Shingle. Peterborough, English Nature.

European Commission DG Environment. 2003. Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats: version EUR 25. Brussels, European Commission. 129 pp.

European Community. 1992. Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna & flora. Brussels, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.

Ferry, B. 2001. Vegetation of the Dungeness Shingle: aspects of biodiversity. In: Dungeness: ecology and conservation. Eds. Ferry, B. and Waters, S. Focus on nature conservation, No. 12. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough. pp. 224-239.

Ferry, B., Lodge, N. and Waters, S. 1990. Dungeness: a vegetation survey of a shingle beach. Nature Conservancy Council Research Report No. 26. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough. 96 pp.

Fuller, R.M. 1985. An assessment of the damage to the shingle beaches and their vegetation. In: Dungeness: ecology and conservation. Eds. Ferry, B. and Waters, S. Focus on nature conservation, No. 12. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough. pp. 25-42.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 137

Hatcher, J. 2002. Guidelines for good practice when working on beaches with vegetated shingle. Arun District Council.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 2004a. www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/SAC_habitats.asp.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 2004b. Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Vegetated Coastal Shingle. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 17 pp.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 2004c. www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1755.

Living With the Sea. 2003. Coastal habitat restoration: towards good practice. CD ROM. © English Nature, the Environment Agency, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, LIFE and National Engineering Research Council.

Nature Conservancy Council. 1993a. Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – a technique for environmental audit. 78 pp.

Nature Conservancy Council. 1993b. Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – a technique for environmental audit. Field Manual. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 62 pp.

Nature Conservancy Council. 1999. Guidelines for the selection of biological SSSIs. Peterborough, Nature Conservancy Council.

Plantlife, 2004. www.plantilfe.org.uk

Preston, C. D., Pearman, D. A. and Dines, T. D. (Eds). 2002. New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora. An Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Oxford University Press, Oxford. 910 pp.

Rodwell, J. S. (Ed). 1991. British Plant Communities. Volume 1. Woodlands and Scrub. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Rodwell, J. S. (Ed). 2000. British Plant Communities. Volume 5. Maritime Communities and Vegetation of Open Habitats. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 512 pp.

Ryland, K. 1993. Preliminary Assessment of the Shingle Resource on the Sussex Coast. Dolphin Ecological Surveys. Unpublished report.

Ryland, K. 1999. Environmental Monitoring Work for the Pevensey Sea Defence Scheme. Dolphin Ecological Surveys. Unpublished report.

Ryland, K. 2000. Environmental Monitoring Work for the Pevensey Sea Defence Scheme. Dolphin Ecological Surveys. Unpublished report.

Ryland, K. 2001. Environmental Monitoring Work for the Pevensey Sea Defence Scheme.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 138 Dolphin Ecological Surveys. Unpublished report.

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2000. Sustaining Life on Earth: How the Convention on Biological Diversity Promotes Nature and Human Well-being. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity/United Nations Environment Programme.

Sneddon, P. & R. E. Randall. 1993a. Coastal Vegetated Shingle Structures of Great Britain: main report. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 61 pp.

Sneddon, P. & R. E. Randall. 1993b. Coastal Vegetated Shingle Structures of Great Britain: Appendix 1, Wales. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Sneddon, P. & R. E. Randall. 1994a. Coastal Vegetated Shingle Structures of Great Britain: Appendix 2, Scotland. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Sneddon, P. & R. E. Randall. 1994b. Coastal Vegetated Shingle Structures of Great Britain: Appendix 3, England. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Stace, C. A. 1997. New Flora of the British Isles. 2nd Edition. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Stace, C. A. 1999. Field Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. 736 pp.

Sussex Biodiversity Partnership. 1999. Coastal Vegetated Shingle Habitat Action Plan. In: From Rio to Sussex. A Biodiversity Action Plan for Sussex. Lewes, East Sussex.

Technitas. 1988. Environmental Survey Work on the Crumbles for Crumbles Harbour Village. Unpublished Report.

UK Biodiversity Group. 1998. Tranche 2 Action Plans. Volume 1: Vertebrates and vascular plants. Peterborough, UK Biodiversity Group/English Nature.

UK Biodiversity Group. 1999a. Tranche 2 Action Plans. Volume 5: maritime species and habitats. Peterborough, UK Biodiversity Group/English Nature.

UK Biodiversity Group. 1999b. Tranche 2 Action Plans. Volume 4: invertebrates. Peterborough, UK Biodiversity Group/English Nature.

Wigginton, M.J. (Ed.) 1999. British Red Data Books 1: Vascular Plants. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

Williams P. R. & Cooke R. J. 1993. Vegetated Shingle Survey of the Sussex Coast. English Nature, South East Region, Wye. 49 pp.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 139 Appendix 1

Complete list of species recorded

Species Common Name Achillea millefolium Yarrow Aegopodium podagraria Ground-elder Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony Agrostis capillaries Common Bent Agrostis sp. Bent sp. Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome Anthemis cotula Stinking Chamomile Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch Arctium lappa Greater Burdock Arctium minus Lesser Burdock Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort Armeria maritima Thrift Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort Aster sp. Michaelmas-daisy sp. Aster tripolium Sea Aster Atriplex littoralis Grass-leaved Orache Atriplex portulacoides Sea Purslane Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache Atropa belladonna Deadly Nightshade Ballota nigra Black Horehound Bellis perennis Daisy Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Sea Beet Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome Bromopsis ramosa Hairy-brome Bromus hordeaceus Soft-brome

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 140 Bryonia dioica White Bryony Buddleja davidii Butterfly-bush Cakile maritima Sea Rocket Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Calystegia silvatica Large Bindweed Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s-purse Cardamine hirsute Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine sp. Bitter-cress sp. Carduus crispus Welted Thistle Carduus tenuiflorus Slender Thistle Carex obtrubae False Fox-sedge Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge Carlina vulgaris Carline Thistle Catapodium marinum Sea Fern-grass Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Cerastium semidecandrum Little Mouse-ear Cerastium sp. Mouse-ear sp. Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-summer Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Chenpodium vulvaria Stinking Goosefoot Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Clematis sp. Clematis sp. Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy Cochlearia danica Danish Scurvygrass Conium maculatum Hemlock Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Coronopus didymus Lesser Swine-cress Cotoneaster sp. Cotoneaster sp. Crambe maritima Sea Kale Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk’s-beard

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 141 Crepis vesicaria Beaked Hawk’s-beard Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Cynoglossum officinale Hound’s Tongue Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog’s-tail Cynosurus echinatus Rough Dog’s-tail Cytisus scoparius Broom Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid Daucus carota Wild Carrot Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass Diplotaxis muralis Annual Wall-rocket Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel Echium vulgare Viper’s-bugloss Elytrigia atherica Sea Couch Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb Epilobium sp. Willowherb sp. Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail Erophila verna Common Whitlowgrass Erysimum sp. Wallflower sp. Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony Euphorbia lathyris Caper Spurge Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Euphorbia sp. Spurge sp. Euphrasia nemorosa Common Eyebright Festuca rubra Red Fescue Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Forsythia x. intermedia Forsythia Frankenia laevis Sea Heath Fraxinus excelsior Ash Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory Fuschia sp. Fuschia sp. Galanthus nivalis Snowdrop Galeopsis angustifolia Red Hemp-nettle Galium aparine Cleavers Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Galium saxitile Heath Bedstraw Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 142 Geranium molle Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy Glaux maritima Sea Milkwort Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy Hedera helix Ivy Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Hieracium sp. Hawkweed sp. Hippophae rhamnoides Sea-buckthorn Hirschfeldia incanca Hoary Mustard Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Hordeaum sp. Barley sp. Hyacinthoides hispanica Spanish Bluebell Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John’s-wort Hypericum pulchrum Slender St. John’s wort Hypochoeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear Ilex aquifolium Holly Inula conyzae Ploughman’s-spikenard Iris foetidissima Stinking Iris Iris sp. Iris sp. (garden escape) Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Juncus gerardii Saltmarsh Rush Juncus influexus Hard Rush Lamium album White Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling Lavatera arborea Tree-mallow Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy Ligustrum sp. Privet sp. Limonium binervosum agg. Rock Sea-lavender Limonium vulgare Common Sea-lavender Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax Linum catharticum Fairy Flax Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 143 Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Lotus corniculatus Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil Lunaria annua Honesty Lycium barbarum Duke of Argyll’s Teaplant Lysimachia punctata Dotted Loosestrife Malus sp. Apple sp. Malva moschata Musk Mallow Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Matricaria recutita Scented Mayweed Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Medicago lupulina Black Medick Melissa officinalis Balm Mentha spicata Spear Mint Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not Odontites vernus Red Bartsia Oenanthe crocata Hemlock Water-dropwort Ononis repens Common Restharrow Oxalis articulata Pink-sorrel Papaver dubium Long-headed Poppy Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy Papaver somniferum Opium Poppy Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip Pentaglottis sempervirens Green Alkanet Persicaria maculosa Redshank Petasites fragrans Winter Heliotrope Phleum pratense Timothy Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue Picris hieraciodies Hawkweed Oxtongue Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear-hawkweed Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Plantago major Greater Plantain Plantago maritima Sea Plantain Plantago media Hoary Plantain Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 144 Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass Polygonum maritimum Sea Knotgrass Populus alba White Poplar Potentilla anserina Silverweed Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil Primula vulgaris Primrose Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Prunus domestica Wild Plum Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane Quercus ilex Evergreen Oak Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus sardous Hairy Buttercup Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish Raphanus raphanistrum ssp. raphanistrum Sea Radish Raphanus sp. Radish sp. Reseda luteola Weld Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Ribes sp. Currant sp. Rosa canina Dog Rose Rosa sp. Rose sp. Rubus caesius Dewberry Rubus fruticosus agg. Brambles Rubus laciniatus Cut-leaved Blackberry Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Rumex acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel Rumex crispus Curled Dock Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leafed Dock Sagina sp. Pearlwort sp. Salicornia agg. Glassworts Salicornia ramosissima Purple Glasswort Salix caprea Goat Willow Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Sambucus nigra Elder Scilla verna Spring Squill Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 145 Sedum album White Stonecrop Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop Senecio cineraria Silver Ragwort Senecio erucifolius Hoary Ragwort Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort Senecio viscosus Sticky Groundsel Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Seriphidium maritimum Sea Wormwood Silene latifolia White Campion Silene dioica Red Campion Silene uniflora Sea Campion Sinapsis arvensis Charlock Sison amomum Stone Parsley Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Sonchus arvensis Perennial Sowthistle Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle Sonchus sp. Sowthistle sp. Spergularia marina Lesser Sea-spurrey Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria media Common Chickweed Suaeda maritima Annual Sea-blite Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry Taraxacum agg. Dandelions Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage Torilis japonica Upright Hedge Parsley Tragopogon pratensis Goat’s-beard Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Trifolium scabrum Rough Clover Tripleurospermum inodorum Scentless Mayweed Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed Tulipa sp. Tulip sp.

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 146 Tussilago farfara Colt’s-foot Ulex europaeus Common Gorse Urtica dioica Common Nettle Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Valerianella sp. Cornsalad sp. Verbascum lychnitis White Mullein Verbascum thapus Great Mullein Veronica agrestis Green Field-speedwell Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Veronica filiformis Slender Speedwell Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell Veronica polita Grey Field-speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell Veronica verna Spring Speedwell Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare Vicia sativa Common Vetch Vicia tetrasperma Smooth Tare Vinca major Greater Periwinkle Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle Viola odorata Sweet Violet

Techniques for assessing shingle communities 147